Its plumage is entirely black except for a white tail and a long, thick, pale cream-colored bill and casque.

Due to its large size and home range, it is an important vector of seed dispersal for large-seeded trees.

While they can tolerate secondary forest, they have the highest population densities and health in primary (old-growth) forest[7] It is officially classified as vulnerable with the population estimated at 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals remaining with its numbers have reduced by at least 20% in the last 10 years due to habitat destruction, hunting for food, and the live bird trade.

It is threatened by habitat destruction through logging, conversion into agricultural land or urban development and mining.

The species is present in conservation areas - the entirety of Palawan has been designated a biosphere reserve but actual protection and enforcement against logging and hunting has been difficult.

There are populations in several other protected areas such as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, El Nido Marine Reserve and others.

Support the proposed extension of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and formally protect the forests at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.