[3] It was formerly known as the red-capped parrot, easily leading to confusion with the Australian Purpureicephalus spurius that bears that English name.

Males have a red forehead, crown, lores, and upper ear coverts.

Immature males have less red on the head than adults, and females have less blue on the wings.

[7][8] The pileated parrot is found in southeastern Brazil from Bahia south and into eastern Paraguay and Argentina's Misiones Province.

[7][8] The pileated parrot makes some movements between inland and more coastal areas.

[7] The pileated parrot's nesting season is not fully defined but apparently includes November.