Mesites
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Galliformes
Family: Mesitornithidae
Genus
 Mesitornis

The mesites are a small group of birds of uncertain affinities often alternatively placed with the Rallidae. They are smallish, near flightless birds endemic to Madagascar.

They are forest and scrub birds which feed on insects and seeds. The usually single white egg is laid in a nest in a bush.