Brachypteraciidae Archives

Brachypteraciidae - Ground-Rollers

There are only five species in this family, all found in Madagascar.

Most ground-rollers live in tropical forests, while the Long-tailed Ground-roller (Uratelornis chimaera) lives in the dry, spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar.

Ground-rollers are about the size of a crow and spend much of their time on the ground searching for food.

Ground-rollers eat insects, spiders, worms, small reptiles, and other small animals. They usually live alone or in pairs and nest in burrows that they dig into sandy soil or earthen banks.

Their excellent camouflage helps them blend into the forest floor and avoid predators.

Rufous-Headed Ground-Roller
(Atelornis crossleyi)

The Rufous-headed Ground-roller is found in humid highland areas of the evergreen forest belt of eastern Madagascar. It is also known as Crossley's ground-roller. IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened
Pitta-Like Ground-Roller
(Atelornis pittoides)

The Pitta-like Ground-roller is found in humid evergreen forests in Madagascar. IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern
Short-Legged Ground-Roller
(Brachypteracias leptosomus)

The Short-legged Ground-roller is found in eastern Madagascar. It prefers the darker, more humid areas of the rainforest. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Scaly Ground-Roller
(Brachypteracias squamiger)

The Scaly Ground-roller is found only in eastern Madagascar. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable
Long-Tailed Ground-Roller
(Uratelornis chimaera)

The Long-tailed Ground-roller is found in a narrow strip of land in south-west coast of Madagascar. It is a ground-dwelling bird. IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable