The Brown Crake is a moderately sized bird, measuring about 26-28 cm in length. There is no significant sexual dimorphism in this species; both adult males and females look similar, though females are generally slightly smaller than males. The upperparts are dark olive-brown. The head features an indistinct supercilium, with ashy-grey sides on the head and neck. The chin and throat are white, while the breast and upper abdomen are ashy-grey. The rest of the underparts and flanks are brown. The legs and feet are fleshy brown in color.