Gould explained that this species was also called White's Thrush. 'The specific term Whitei (superseded by the earlier one of aurea) was assigned to the species by T.C. Eyton Esq., in honour of the celebrated White, of Selborne, a compliment I retain by employing his name as an English appelation.'

There were recorded instances of the Thrush in England at Christchurch, Hampshire, in January 1828, at the New Forest, and Stratford-upon-Avon.
DISTRIBUTION: Breeds from central Siberia east to Japan and south to southeast Asia. Northern populations winter to India, southeast Asia and north Philippines. Rare vagrant to Britain with 41 records to 1985