Somewhat bigger than a partridge, its plumage on the upperparts is light-brown with darker stripes, making it well camouflaged on ground with little vegetation, and white underparts, with long stout legs.

Unlike other birds, the male little bustard possesses a specially shaped, shorter seventh primary feather in its wings. As it flies, air passes through this gap, creating a continuous hissing sound—a noise similar to a rhythmic “si-si-si” or a whistle. The popular Spanish name sisón is derived from this “sibilant” or hissing sound.

It occurs on arable plains and tree-less steppes, feeding on seeds, tubers, small plants and, to a lesser extent, small invertebrates. It is present throughout the year in Extremadura.