Adult Male:
A pale, rufous-brown band runs from the forehead to the nape. The crown is rufous-brown to brown with small black streaks, while the central stripe lacks streaks. The foreheads, area around the eyes, and sides of the head are white or pale white, with black streaks. The nape of the neck is rust-brown to reddish-brown. The back, flanks, and upper tail coverts have irregular black and brown barring. This plumage coloration varies somewhat between individuals. Generally, the flanks and upper tail coverts have more black than the back. The shoulders, inner wing coverts, and innermost secondary feathers are similar in color to the back, but each feather has a broad brown edge.
The other wing coverts are rufous-brown with a black streak on the outer vane and a rufous-brown edge, which is very broad in some individuals. The primary coverts are gray-brown with brown edges. The primary feathers are brown or gray-brown with rufous-brown edges. The chin and throat are white; the chest is rufous-brown; and the flanks are white or rufous-white. The belly is white or slightly rufous-white, with a slightly darker color under the tail. The eyes are pale yellow. The beak is pale gray. The legs are pinkish-white, pale gray, or pale blue-gray.
Measurements:
- Wings (male): 61 – 71 mm, (female): 67 – 75 mm;
- Tail: 31 – 37 mm;
- Tarsus: 18 – 20 mm;
- Beak: 10 – 11 mm.
Distribution:
This quail species is distributed in India, Northern Myanmar, Thailand, Southern China (including Hainan). In Vietnam, this species has only been recorded in Quảng Ninh province.