Brachypteraciidae – Ground rollers
Full-on terrestrials, non-migratory, elusive, and shy birds; possess longer legs and rounded short wings
Restricted to Madagascar, most ground rollers inhabit the rainforest, while only one species is found in the desert. Brachypteraciidae is sometimes considered a sub-family of true rollers. They do not have a bright, colorful appearance and are duller with stripped plumage bodies. These roller birds are olive green and have large heads.
As the name suggests, they live on the ground and thus have long, slender legs. Ground rollers do not make their own nest; unlike other rollers, they nest in natural tree holes. Their diet consists of leaf litter, large insects, invertebrates, and reptiles. Birds are monogamous, and males and females take responsibility for their chicks.
Genera in this family
These beautifully colored birds are endemic to Madagascar
