Secretive, crepuscular (occuring of active during twilight), snipe-like waders. Their long bill is slightly down-curved at the tip and is used for probing in the mud. They primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, but may also eat seeds and snails.
Their preferred habitat is the edge of marshy pans, with cover and open muddy areas for feeding.
When threatened, they often present their camouflaged back to potential enemies and in typical shorebird fashion, they may crouch low. If duisturbed further, they may fly a short distance. The adults make use of a spread-wing display that, in common with thick-knees, is used in a variety of contexts - especially defensive.
Sex roles are reversed, with females are larger, more brightly coloured, and taking no part in the incubation of the eggs and care of the young. They lay 4 eggs, buffy with heavy, black blotching.

Rostratula = small-billed

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