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. The male has a characteristic black collar. In flight, a whistling sound is produced thanks to a flight feather being shorter than the others. 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.