The Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) is the only species in this family. It is a ground-dwelling bird that lives in the native grasslands of southeastern Australia.

The Plains-wanderer looks like a small quail, although it is not closely related to quails. It has a short bill, long legs, and mottled brown, tan, white, and black feathers that help it blend into the grass. Adults also have a cinnamon-brown patch on the chest. Plains-wanderers feed on seeds, insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.

These birds spend most of their time walking through grasslands rather than flying. They build simple nests on the ground, where the female lays her eggs.

The Plains-wanderer is a protected species in Australia and is listed as critically endangered because much of its grassland habitat has been lost.