Both species have boldly barred plumage and a red bill.

Xenoperdix are found only in forests of the Udzungwa Mountains and the Rubeho Highlands of Tanzania.

While the genus was previously believed to be monotypic (only containing Xenoperdix udzungwensis), the Rubeho population was recognized as a distinct species following a review of its molecular and morphological characteristics.

[1] Dinesen, L., Lehmberg, T., Svendsen, J.O., Hansen, L.A., Fjeldså, J.

A new genus and species of perdicine bird (Phasianidae, Perdicini) from Tanzania; a relict form with Indo-Malayan affinities.