A typical thrush in shape and size, but with unusually dark coloration. Mostly blackish with a paler gray belly and yellow-orange bill, eye-ring, and legs. Females are slightly paler and show some mottled streaking on the throat and breast. Found locally in juniper and hagenia woodland in the mountains of northern Somalia. The vocalizations are poorly known, but it gives a typical thrush song and harsh “chk-chk” calls.