This uncommon tanager is found in the subtropical zone of the Andes from Colombia to Peru. Medium gray above and rich buffy below with a stout hooked bill. The namesake rufous crest, only present on males, is usually visible only as a small crown patch. Compare with Black-eared Hemispingus, which has an obvious black mask. Occurs from around 1,400-2,700m. Singles or pairs forage in the canopy, often following mixed-species flocks.
Exotic species flags differentiate locally introduced species from native species.
Naturalized: Exotic population is self-sustaining, breeding in the wild, persisting for many years, and not maintained through ongoing releases (including vagrants from Naturalized populations). These count in official eBird totals and, where applicable, have been accepted by regional bird records committee(s).
Provisional: Either: 1) member of exotic population that is breeding in the wild, self-propagating, and has persisted for multiple years, but not yet Naturalized; 2) rarity of uncertain provenance, with natural vagrancy or captive provenance both considered plausible. When applicable, eBird generally defers to bird records committees for records formally considered to be of "uncertain provenance". Provisional species count in official eBird totals.
Escapee: Exotic species known or suspected to be escaped or released, including those that have bred but don't yet fulfill the criteria for Provisional. Escapee exotics do not count in official eBird totals.