The
New Zealand wrens are a
family (
Acanthisittidae) of tiny
passerines endemic to
New Zealand. They were represented by six known
species in four or five
genera, although only two species survive in two genera today. They are understood to form a distinct lineage within the passerines, but authorities differ on their assignment to the oscines or
suboscines (the two suborders that between them make up the Passeriformes). More recent studies suggest that they form a third, most ancient, suborder
Acanthisitti and have no living close relatives at all. They are called "wrens" due to similarities in appearance and behaviour to the true
wrens (Troglodytidae), but are not members of that family.