The large, yellow bill is diagnostic. This hornbill is very similar to the Red-billed Hornbill in plumage coloration but has smaller white primary spots, visible only in flight. Female has a shorter, predominantly dark bill and a dark head and throat.
Thornveld and dry, broad-leaved woodland.
A rapid, hollow-sounding 'tok tok tok tok tok tokatokatoka'; in calling display the head is lowered and the wings are fanned.