Although similar in appearance to other Alectoris species, Philby's partridge can be distinguished by its black cheeks and throat.

It differs from that species in having black cheeks and throat, and a thin white line separates this from the greyish-blue head and nape.

It lives on rocky slopes and scantily vegetated land, usually at altitudes between 4,500 and 9,000 feet (1,400 and 2,700 m).

The breeding season lasts from April to June and a clutch of five to eight eggs is laid in a nest on the ground.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed this species as being of "least concern" on the basis that it has a wide range and is likely to have a large total population.