It is a medium-sized bird, 50–54 centimetres (20–21 in) in length, and is characterized by its white belly and black back and wings.

The eyes are yellow; the beak is red and presents a stocky casque on the upper mandible.

The crowned hornbill is a common resident of the coastal and riverine forests of southern (only the eastern coast) to northeastern Africa.

It forages mainly in trees, where it feeds on insects (often caught in flight), small rodents, small reptiles, eggs, seeds and fruits.

Four to five white eggs are incubated for 25 to 30 days; the juveniles remain with both parents for about 8 weeks.