An extremely shy and retiring bird, usually sluggish and difficult to see in well-shaded forests; coloration is unlike that of any typical thrush. At a distance, seems entirely dark with a soft purple crown and tail; up close, black face and wingtips are visible. Overall coloration is a powdery brownish-purple in males and chestnut-brown in females. Will occasionally move with mixed-species flocks, but usually sluggish, seldom leaving its perch. Song is a far-carrying, hauntingly human-like whistle. Inhabits damp hill and submontane forests, particularly in areas with ravines and stream gullies.