The endemic dusky robin (Melanodryas vittata) 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.

It breeds in early spring, laying 3-4 spotted, pale green eggs. The nest is cup-shaped, lined with bark and grass. Juveniles have a grey plumage flecked with white.

Its call is an undulating 'pre-pree'.