This bird is a medium-sized francolin, with males averaging 11.6-13.4 in (29-34 cm) and females averaging 10.2-11.9 in (26-30 cm). The males weigh 9-12 oz (260-340 g) whereas the weight of the females is 7-11 oz (200-310 g).[8] The francolin is barred throughout and the face is pale with a thin black border to the pale throat. The only similar species is the painted francolin, which has a rufous vent. The male can have up to two spurs on the legs while females usually lack them. Subspecies mecranensis is palest and found in arid North-Western India, Eastern Pakistan and Southern Iran. Subspecies interpositus is darker and intermediate found in northern India. The nominate race in the southern peninsula of India has populations with a darker rufous throat, supercilium and is richer brown. They are weak fliers and fly short distances, escaping into undergrowth after a few spurts of flight.In flight it shows a chestnut tail and dark primaries.