Ameraucanas, unlike their predecessor the Araucana, have a full tail and all their vertebrates, as well as lovable face muffling including muffs which nearly cover their face and a full, well-rounded beard in place of ear tufts. They also have a full body, slate legs, a pea comb, and big beautiful reddish bay eyes. 

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Many chickens are sold from dishonest or unknowing sources as Ameraucanas because they lay colored eggs, but they come from parent stock that doesn't breed true to the Ameraucana Standard of Perfection set by the American Poultry Association. Birds must match one of the eight recognized color variations, have slate legs, a full beard and ear muffs, a pea comb, and lay light blue eggs. Any birds missing one or more of these features should instead be called Easter Eggers or Rainbow Layers as they are disqualified from the Ameraucana Standard.