This species has a stockier build than the other spotted thrushes, with a deep belly and short tail. The crown, nape and upper back are bright rusty brown, fading to duller brown on the wings, rump, and tail. The white eye-ring and black-and-white streaked auriculars are distinctive. The bill is pale at the base with a dark culmen and tip. Underparts are white with large black spots throughout the throat, breast, and belly. The flanks are washed with brown. In flight, undersides of wings show large buffy wing stripes.

Length: 19 (cm) Wingspan: 33 (cm)

Voice:

Song begins with three quiet put-put-put notes followed by a smooth series of flute-like notes, usually ending on a higher pitch.

Habitat:

Deciduous and mixed woodland with shrub and sub-canopy layers, moist soil.

Behavior:

Surprisingly secretive for a bird that seems so brightly patterned. Like most thrushes, will be heard far more often than it is seen.

Feeding:

Forages for invertebrates among leaf litter on the forest floor. Also eats fruit, especially in late summer and winter.