It was formerly considered to be two separate subspecies of Island thrush until 2024 when it was classified as a distinct species by the IOC and Clements checklist.

[1][2] EBird describes this as "Dark thrush of montane forests above 1000 meters, endemic to the Philippine island of Luzon.

The male Luzon island thrush is glossy back with a dark brownish gray hood on head and upper breast and white streaks in vent.

[5] Two subspecies are recognized:[6] This is a newly split species and there are no specific studies yet for the Luzon island thrush.

The island thrush has a varied and generalist diet taking a range of invertebrates such as insects including beetles, spiders, snails, earthworms, as well as carrion and even small reptiles.

The Island thrush species complex makes cup shaped nests of grass, roots, tendrils, twigs, bark and moss.

Mossy forests of the Cordillera Central are threatened by conversion to agricultural land, primarily for vegetable production.