Both male and female Elliot's Pheasants possess distinct physical characteristics. Males can reach a length of 80 cm (31 in) and feature a combination of brown and white feathers, along with a black throat, chestnut-brown upper body, white belly, nape, and wing bars. Their facial skin is a vibrant red and their long, whitish tail is striped with rusty bars. Females, on the other hand, are smaller in size, measuring around 50 cm (20 in) in length. They have rufous brown feathers, a blackish throat, whitish belly, and less prominently barred tail.