The genus name Geokichla comes from Ancient Greek geo-, "ground-" and kikhle, " thrush".

It is strongly migratory, with most birds moving to southeastern Asia during the winter.

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

The male Siberian thrush is a dark blue-grey above and below, with a white stripe above the eye.

The female is a much browner bird, with a buff stripe above the eye.