It is closely related to the more northerly breeding dusky thrush T. eunomus; the two have often been regarded as conspecific.

This species breeds in open woodland areas; dusky thrush, as would be expected, is more tolerant of mountainous and tundra-edge habitats.

It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, especially mosquitoes, earthworms and berries.

This is a medium-sized but stocky thrush, reminiscent in structure of a small fieldfare.

The female is fairly similar to the male, but immatures have a weaker patterning.