Small, plain-breasted thrush of tropical and subtropical evergreen forest in foothills and highlands. Usually elusive and heard far more often than seen. Feeds mainly on the ground, but also in fruiting bushes and trees. Sings from low to middle level perches. Plumage distinctive, with blackish cap, contrasting orange eyering and bill, and dusky upperparts. In dark shady understory, could be confused with Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, which has rusty brown upperparts. Song distinctive: slightly scratchy and not very fluty.