Earlier naturalists classified the Red-crested Cardinal as Pyrgita cucullata, though it is now correctly placed in the genus Paroaria. The bird displays a vivid orange-red head with a pointed crest, while its wings and tail are deep blue, contrasting with a pale white breast and underparts, highlighting its distinctive features. Hahn’s crisp detailing of the plumage, along with careful attention to colour, follows the conventions of natural history prints of his era that aimed for both accuracy and elegance.