A little bird that may frequently be seen in the canopy of open woods and places near forests, where it forages in groups of different species.

The olive-green top portions and yellow rump of the rufous-headed tanager (Hemithraupis ruficapilla) distinguish it from other birds. The colour of the head is rufous, and it becomes cinnamon on the breast. Yellow splotches can be seen behind the ear coverts. His tummy has a golden centre and brownish underparts.

The female and the male are remarkably similar, but the female has a yellow breast and simple olive-green upperparts.

Due of her similar colouring to the female Guira Tanager, the female cannot be distinguished.

Southeast Brazil is the only place where these birds may be found.