Macronyx

Macronyx is a genus of passerine birds in the family Motacillidae, commonly known as longclaws. They are native to sub-Saharan Africa and occupy a variety of open habitats, including savannas, grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural margins. Members of Macronyx are medium-sized ground foragers that feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They are characterized by relatively long legs and a prominent hind claw, which gives the group its common name, and by plumage that is often brownish or rufous on the upperparts with lighter underparts; many species show bold facial markings or a pale supercilium.

Behaviorally, Macronyx birds search the ground or lightly probe through grass for prey, usually moving in short flights between perches or tufts. They nest on the ground, building a cup-shaped nest among grasses or in sparse vegetation; the clutch typically consists of four to six eggs, with both parents incubating and tending the young after hatching.

The genus comprises several species, with the Cape longclaw (Macronyx capensis) being a well-known example, among others that occur across various regions of Africa. Size and plumage vary somewhat among species, but all share a ground-dwelling lifestyle and a preference for open habitats characteristic of longclaws.

Conservation status varies among species; many are listed as of Least Concern due to wide distributions, but localized habitat loss and degradation threaten some populations. Macronyx species are closely related to wagtails and pipits within the Motacillidae family.