The five species of ground rollers (Brachypteraciidae) are a small family of non-migratory near-passerine birds restricted to Madagascar. They are related to the kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers.

Ground rollers share the generally crow-like size and build of the true rollers and also hunt reptiles and large insects.
These birds nest as solitary pairs in holes in the ground which they excavate themselves.

They are much more elusive and shy than their relatives, and are normally difficult to find in the Malagasy forests.