There is one species in this family. The limpkin is found in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

It lives in lakes, swamps, and marshes. Limpkins are little over two feet tall and have long legs and a long bill. It is brown with white spots and streaks. Limpkins hunt at night. A large part of its diet is made up of apple snails, but it also eats frogs, tadpoles, and insects.