There are three species in this bird family.  All of them are found on the island of Madagascar.

Mesites are small to medium-sized birds that spend most of their time on the ground in forests and scrublands. They have rounded wings, strong legs for walking, and short, rounded tails. Because they do not fly very well, they usually escape danger by running and hiding in thick vegetation.

Mesites eat insects, spiders, worms, seeds, and other small animals that they find by scratching through leaves on the forest floor.

These birds usually live in pairs or small family groups. Both parents help build the nest, incubate the eggs, and care for the chicks.