It is one of three species in the mesite family Mesitornithidae, and is restricted in distribution to a small low-land region in southwest Madagascar.

Both have white underparts; the male has black crescent-shaped spots on the side of the neck and upper breast.

[2] The subdesert mesite is restricted to spiny thicket with open areas, from sea-level to an altitude of 130 m (430 ft).

[1] The subdesert mesite forages by picking invertebrates, seeds and fruit off the ground and may dig into the surface.

It is vulnerable to habitat degradation, by slash-and-burn cultivation of maize, burning for charcoal, commercial timber and for construction.