The Pomatostomidae (Australo-Papuan or Australasian babblers, also known as pseudo-babblers) are small to medium-sized birds endemic to Australia-New Guinea.

More recent research, however, indicates that they are too basal to belong the Passerida – let alone the Sylvioidea where the Old World babblers are placed – and they are now classed as a separate family close to the Orthonychidae (logrunners).

The Australo-Papuan babblers are medium-sized terrestrial birds with sombre plumage and long decurved bills.

The wings are short and round, and the tail is long and often held fanned which makes it look broad as well.

There is no sexual dimorphism in the plumage, which is composed of brown, russet and grey colours, with all but the Papuan babbler having striking white markings on the face and throat.

Babblers live in family groups and small flocks of up to about 20 individuals and forage communally, calling loudly to one another all day long.