The average size of this bird is 26–28 cm (10–11 in) in length, and it has a wingspan of 35–40 cm (14–16 in). Its wings are relatively short and rounded, and its legs are long and featherless. This species is easily identifiable by its topknots, which vary in length and color depending on the gender and the location of the population. The face is brown, the breast is gray, the back and wing feathers are brown, and the underside is heavily white barred. Females have more brown coloring on their dorsal side, a paler red on their undersides, and wider white barring on their flanks compared to males. As they age, Mountain quails lose their multi-colored primary coverts, and by the time they are 15 months old, they will have solid-colored coverts.