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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). DND-DNA hybridisation studies suggest that they may, in fact, form a third suborder and have no living close relatives at all.

Six species are known, in four genera. At least three, more probably four of the six species are extinct.

• The Rifleman, Acanthisitta chloris.
• The Bush Wren, Xenicus longipes, almost certainly extinct.
• The Rock Wren, Xenicus gilviventris.
• The recently extinct Stephens Island Wren, Traversia lyalli.
• The extinct North Island Stout-legged Wren, Pachyplichas yaldwyni.
• The extinct South Island Stout-legged Wren, P. jagmi.