[3] Complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of the species places the buff-throated monal-partridge in the genus Tetraophasis in the family Phasianidae.

Phylogenetic positioning of the Tetraophasis has been understudied, though there is strong support that it and genus Lophophorus are sister genera, forming a subclade with Tragopan.

It has a distinct orange horizontal teardrop shaped eye ring, a light gold gorget, as well as a crest that it can occasionally flare up.

These birds mainly live in mixed coniferous forest, rhododendron shrubs, oak thickets, alpine meadows, and rocky ravines.

[6] The buff-throated monal-partridge's diet consists mainly of leaves, roots, stems, bulbs, fruits and seeds of various herbs and scrubs, as well as some moss and in some areas near local monasteries, the residing monks sometimes feed them rice and corn.

Groups who finish breeding season early have more time to molt and recover fat reserves before winter, giving them a greater chance of survival during the harsher months.

A single family unit consists of a main breeding pair, and can often have one to three typically male helpers, though they can be female, that will aid in protecting territory.

[10] The buff-throated monal-partridge not only participate in cooperative breeding, but they also engage in communal roosting at night for the benefits of reduced thermoregulatory costs and decreased predation risk.

[11] Barring the incubation period and the first couple weeks after the eggs hatch where the breeding pair stays separated, the partridges will roost together in linear huddles on a single branch close to the tree trunk usually up 7m high.

[11] When temperatures drop, in order to minimize heat loss, Szechenyi's monal-partridges will perch earlier and depart from the roost later in the day.