About Melanodryas vittata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1830)
Measuring 14 to 16.5 centimetres in length and weighing around 27 grams, the dusky robin (Melanodryas vittata) does not have the bright colouring seen in its robin relatives. This bird has a short, slender bill and a moderately long tail, and it is significantly larger than other Petroicidae species found in Tasmania. Males and females are almost impossible to tell apart in the field. This species has no seasonal plumage variation and no sexual dimorphism. There are, however, large, noticeable differences between adult and juvenile dusky robins. The dusky robin is endemic to Tasmania, where it is widespread across the island. It occupies open habitats ranging from sea level up to 1,200 metres above sea level. It most commonly occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, but can also be found in coastal heathland, sedgeland, and Button Grass plains. This species favours ecotones, located between forests and clearings or recently burnt areas.
