This uncommon species breeds in hill rainforests, and to a lesser extent in drier woodlands, at altitudes between 500 and 2000 m. The wintering areas are similar but include less well-wooded areas, and are generally at 750 to 1500 m altitude.

The spot-winged thrush is generally solitary and can be quite secretive, especially in the dense undergrowth and bamboo clumps it favours.

Adults of this medium-sized thrush, which measures 21 to 27 cm (8.3 to 10.6 in) in total length and weighs 70 g (2.5 oz) are light brown above with a double wing bar of white spots.

The loose cup nests are lined with vegetation and placed in a tree fork.

In Sri Lanka, this bird is known as Pulli Wal Awichchiya in the Sinhala language.