Earthen-toned and rather heavy-bellied thrush. Matte brown above and white below with dense black scaling on the underparts. Chinese Thrush and species of the Alpine Thrush complex can be similar; note Long-tailed’s wingbars, fine scaling (not solid dots), and proportionally longer tail. Forages on the forest floor in foothill and montane forest, especially in areas with rhododendrons and conifers; descends in elevation in the winter. Song sounds tired and drawn-out, consisting of long buzzy notes and hoarse warbling.