It is endemic to Vietnam in the dense moist lowland forests of central Annam.

This species is 29 cm long, with the female slightly smaller than the male.

It has a scaly upper breast, lacking the chestnut of its relatives, and the rest of the underparts are buff with dark arrow markings on the flanks.

This little-known and shy species feeds in small flocks on seeds, berries and termites.

It is threatened by habitat loss through deforestation and is restricted to two small areas of Annam.