Burly thrush with brownish upperparts and white underparts; covered with black-edged scaling all over the body. In flight, two bright white stripes visible on black underwings. Feeds solitarily on the ground, usually in or near dense cover; walks instead of hops, moving in a comically jerky manner. Often very approachable. Prefers mid- to high-elevation forests for breeding but regularly found in lowland parks and forests in winter. Compare Scaly Thrush. Song is a high, fluty whistle which fades in and out in a distinctly unbird-like manner.