The Rostratulidae, commonly known as the painted-snipes, are a family of wading birds that consists of two genera: Rostratula and Nycticryphes.

The painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but their plumage is much more striking.

While less similar in general morphology, the species that are most closely related to painted-snipes are other members of the suborder Thinocori: jacanas, seedsnipes, and the plains wanderer.

Animal prey taken includes annelid worms, snails, aquatic and marsh insects, and crustaceans.

The seeds of grasses such as millet and rice are also consumed, and may form a major part of the diet of some populations.