Adult males are covered in brown feathers, have red crowns and under parts; a black mask around their eyes; and white throats.

The males are usually more brightly colored than females, specifically during the breeding season in order to attract a mate.

A bird species similar to and often confused with the crimson chat is the male red-capped robin, whose scientific name is Petroica goodenovii.

Chats breed from August to October in the south and at almost any time in the drier northern regions following rain.

[2] In this species, both sexes help build a nest in a cup shape, which is located close to the ground in low shrub or grass.

[3] Both parents help incubate the eggs for 12–13 days and feed the young birds once they have hatched for two weeks until they can fly on their own to find food.