[3] Two subspecies are recognized:[4] Hume's short-toed lark is similar in size and appearance to the greater short-toed lark but is generally a duller-looking bird with slightly darker plumage and a slightly smaller beak.

As with the greater short-toed lark, the colour varies across the broad range and is not a good distinguishing feature.

Hume's short-toed lark grows to a length of from 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in) and the sexes are similar.

The crown is brown with slight diffuse streaking, the cheeks are rufous-brown and the supercilium white.

The voice helps distinguish this species; vocalisations include a shrill "trree" and a more rolling "drreep".