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Mesitornithidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 474 words | Copyright

Mesitornithidae (mesites; class Aves, order Gruiformes) A family of medium-sized birds which are mainly brown above and plain, spotted, or barred below. They have long tails, short wings, and medium-length, straight or decurved bills, and a well-developed hallux. They are mainly terrestrial, rarely flying. They inhabit forests and scrub, feed on insects, fruit, and seeds, and nest in bushes and low trees. There are two genera, with three species, confined to Madagascar.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Mesitornithidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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