A large and stately hornbill of expansive montane forests. Both sexes are black with snow-white tails. The male has a yellow face and throat patch, while the female has a red patch of skin around the eye and a blue throat patch. Usually seen in pairs or medium-sized flocks, flying between fruiting trees. Usually the only hornbill in highland areas. Gives loud hoarse trumpeting croaks, often while in flight. As with many other large hornbills, wings create a powerful thrumming when flying.