Gruimorphae[4] is a clade of birds that contains the orders Charadriiformes (plovers, gulls, and allies) and Gruiformes (cranes and rails) identified by molecular analysis.

[5][3] This grouping has had historical support, as various charadriiform families such as the families Pedionomidae and Turnicidae were classified as gruiforms.

[6][7][8] It may also have support from the fossil record since the discovery of Nahmavis from the Early Eocene of North America.

[9] The relationship between these birds is due to similar anatomical and behavioral characteristics.

A morphological study went further to suggest that the gruiforms might be paraphyletic in respect to the shorebirds, with the rails being closely related to the buttonquails.