Young birds have a scaly back, and only vestiges of the head pattern.

The head pattern is the best distinction from Sand Partridge.

It resembles G. c. cyanotus, but with a less defined head pattern.

All plumages are similar, except that juveniles have a much less contrasted head pattern.

It has a striking head pattern, with a long white supercilum above a broad black band through the eye.

The sexes are similar, but the juvenile is duller with a weaker head pattern.

The is a weak "dog's head" pattern on the male forewing.

The females are greyish above and white below, with much weaker head patterns.

The female is similar, but with a weaker head pattern and duller underparts.