This long slender thrush is gray overall, with a white eye-ring and short dark bill. The outer tail feathers are white. The bases of the primaries and secondaries are buff, creating a buffy wing stripe visible in flight. Juveniles are darker, with buffy spots above and a scaly pattern below.

Length: 20 (cm) Wingspan: 33 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a long set of warbles and whistles, similar to the song of a finch rather than the flutey whistles of other thrushes. Call a persistent loud metallic teeoo, often given over and over at even intervals.

Habitat:

Breeds in open montane coniferous forest. Winters in juniper woodlands.

Behavior:

Often perches and sings from highest available perch. Sings in winter to defend food supply.

Feeding:

In summer, feeds primarily on insects, both by gleening and flycatching. In winter, juniper berries make up most of the diet.