Bruny Island Birdlife - Dusky Robin
Bruny Island is home to abundant birdlife, including all 12 species endemic to Tasmania. Some are critically endangered, such as the Forty-spotted Pardalote, the Swift Parrot, and the Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle. All 12 endemic species are protected under Tasmania's Nature Conservation Act 2002.
Bruny Island is a popular place for bird watching, and has been named in the top 10 bird watching sites in Australia by Australian Birdlife magazine.
Watch out for the next Bruny Island Bird Festival, (date TBA).
Photos from award winning photographer Rod Hartvigsen
Dusky Robin
The Dusky Robin (Melanodryas vittata) is a small olive-brown bird endemic to Tasmania. It was given the nickname of 'stump robin' by early settlers, as it often sits on stumps or posts while it looks for insects and worms.
Habitat
The Dusky Robin prefers dry forests and the edge zones between forests and clearings.
Behaviour
The Dusky Robin feeds on insects and nectar, and feeds both on the ground and in trees. It nests in tree cavities and tree forks.
Conservation
The Dusky Robin is not endangered.