They have a black hood with a short crest.

There is also a short crest on the back of the head.

The female is a brown bird with short crest, blue facial skin and spotted black-and-white below.

The female has a shorter crest and lacks the black throat.

It has a short crest on the top of its head.

The young bird is duller than the adult and has a shorter crest.

The head has a short crest of black and blue feathers, which gives rise to the scientific name.

The upperparts are olive brown, with a darker head and short crest.

It has a short blunt crest on the head, which can be raised and lowered.

Almost all Paroaria have at least a short crest.