Average size :  38 to 43 cm (15 to 17 in), males 492 g (17 oz), females 456 g (16 oz)

Coloration :  Males with dark, cryptic faintly barred with black, gray and brown, wide-edged throat and breast, tail with black and rust bars and rust extremity, fleshy growth (dewlap) above the eye, black tail with rust extremity; females with cryptic plumage having irregular black, gray and rust bars, breast and belly with white, black and rust bars and rust extremity.

External characteristics :   Short, stout beak; feathered nares; short, rounded wings; partially feathered feet.