The incubation period and fledging time of this ground roller is unknown. The long-tailed ground roller has no subspecies. It has no recognized subspecies, and its closest relative is the scaly ground roller. The same study found that the short-legged ground roller is basal in the family. When calling, this ground roller bobs its head and raises its tail. This ground roller has short wings and long, pinkish-brown legs. The short-legged ground roller is a secretive species that has been little studied. The long-tailed ground roller also raises its tail when it is excited. The short-legged ground roller is considered to be fairly common in its natural habitat. The short-legged ground roller has a large head and bill, a puffy throat.