The ground rollers (family Brachypteraciidae) are a family of birds belonging to the order Coraciiformes, one of the five families endemic to Madagascar — along with the mesites, the cuckoo-roller, the asities and the Malagasy warblers. These birds are mostly terrestrial, nest in sandbank holes and prey on reptiles and large insects. Unlike birds of related families, ground rollers are elusive and shy, often only noticed by their hooting calls.

The family comprises 5 species in 4 genera. Genera Geobiastes (1 species), Atelornis (2 species) and Brachypteracias (1 species) all resemble compact long-legged rollers are restricted to the moist rainforests of eastern Madagascar, the latest genus being more arboreal than the rest of the species in the family. Genus Uratelornis (1 species) is an odd member of the family featuring a long tail and inhabiting dry spiny forests of southwestern Madagascar.

Understory in Talatakely, Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar, 15 Nov 2023

Pitta-like ground roller

Atelornis pittoides

Found in the tropical forests along the eastern ridge of Madagascar. The least elusive member of its family. I have seen this species in the understory of Ranomafana in Madagascar.