Dusky Robin, Melanodryas vittata
Dusky Robin
(Photo by Dave Watts)
Description
The endemic Dusky Robin is dark olive-brown above and a lighter grey-white below. The wing has a narrow white shoulder. Juveniles have grey plumage flecked with white.
Habitat
The Dusky Robin occurs in open eucalypt forest, woodland and coastal heath throughout Tasmania. A subspecies of this bird is confined to King Island.
It can often be seen sitting on stumps and fence posts; indeed, this practice earned the bird the name "stump robin" by early settlers.
Diet
The Dusky Robin drops silently from its perch to the ground to catch insects.
Breeding
It breeds in early spring, laying 3-4 spotted, pale green eggs. The nest is cup-shaped, lined with bark and grass.
Call
Its call is an undulating "pre-pree".
Distribution
Found in suitable habitat throughout Tasmania.