adzebills

Adzebills are a family of passerine birds, native to New Zealand. The family, Acanthisittidae, is the only avian family endemic to the country. There are four living species, all of which are small, short-tailed, and short-winged birds. They are largely insectivorous and spend most of their time foraging in dense undergrowth.

The adzebill's most distinctive feature is its large, adze-shaped bill, from which it derives its name. This bill is powerful and used for digging and probing for insects and other invertebrates in leaf litter and soil. Their wings are too short for sustained flight, making them primarily terrestrial birds. They are excellent climbers and can move through dense vegetation with agility.

The four living species are the New Zealand adzebill (Acanthisitta chloris), the rock wren (Xenicus gilviventris), the bush wren (Xenicus lyalli), and the rifleman (Acanthisitta rifle). The bush wren is now considered extinct. All species are threatened by introduced predators such as rats and stoats, and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these unique birds.

Adzebills are generally shy and difficult to observe. Their calls are often heard before the birds themselves are seen. They are important components of the New Zealand ecosystem, playing a role in insect population control. Their evolutionary history is distinct, and they represent a unique branch of bird evolution.