This plump gray bird is a regular sight atop patches of trees from the temperate forest zone to above treeline in the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia. The plumage is unremarkable at first glance: both sexes are medium gray with a darker face, blackish wings, and a white band on the tail (visible in flight). The namesake red crest is usually laid flat down the nape, but is occasionally raised into a spectacular splayed bouquet of feathers. Singles or pairs are usually seen perched conspicuously. Found in forested areas, but does not require high-quality intact forest, and can be found in surprisingly small patches of bushes and trees in agricultural areas.