A robust, elongated thrush-like lark with dark, lightly scaled upperparts, heavily streaked pale underparts, and a boldly marked face. Pairs breed (July-October) in open broadleaf woodland, often in recently burned areas. Small post-breeding flocks disperse south and occupy suitable habitat in an unpredictable manner, sometimes irrupting. Pairs or loose flocks walk on the ground foraging for insects and seeds, flicking their wings. The Groundscraper Thrush differs by being larger and having a plain (not scaled) back.