The asities (Philepittidae) consists of four species in two genera endemic to Madagascar. They are closely related to broadbills, and sometimes considered part of a larger broadbill family also compisin the Sapayoa.

Asieties are small forest birds. The males have brightly coloured wattles around the eyes of the males. These wattles, which are most conspicuous during the breeding season, get their colour from arrays of collagen fibres.[3] This method of pigmentation is unique in the animal kingdom. They have a long outer primary which buzzes in flight, possibly used in signalling during courtship.

The major component of the diet of asties is fruit. A wide range of different fruit is taken by the family, and they are among the most important avian dispersers of seeds, as there are very few other frugivorous birds in the forests of Madagascar.