It is a monogamous species, and pairs nest in suitable tree cavities.

The diet consists mainly of figs, fruits, insects and small animals found in the trees.

Widespread and still locally common, the black-and-white-casqued hornbill is assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

[1] Bycanistes subcylindricus is part of the Bycanistes genus of sub-Saharian hornbills which currently include a total of six known species that all share a black and white plummage and are mostly frugivores.

The purpose of the casque is unknown for males, although suggested to be for sexual characterization.

The black-and-white-casqued hornbill has very mobile eyes which is not a common trait in birds.

The black-and-white-casqued hornbill is found in wooded habitats in central and western Africa, ranging from western Kenya to Côte d'Ivoire with an isolated population in north Angola.

They are tropical birds that live in regions with high amounts of forests and is rarely seen in on flat lands, especially due to its arboreal nature.

It is capable of precise and delicate handling of edibles by using its beak skillfully in conjunction with its esophagus.

2013.A comprehensive molecular phylogeny for the hornbills (Aves:Bucerotidae).