It was named after the German explorer Baron Karl Klaus von der Decken (1833–1865).

It is similar to the red-billed hornbill except for the bill colour and the lack of spotting on the wing coverts in both male and female.

During incubation, the female lays two or three white eggs in a tree hole, which is blocked off with a cement made of mud, droppings and fruit pulp.

Von der Decken's hornbill is omnivorous, taking insects, fruit and seeds.

In captivity, Von Der Decken's hornbill will readily eat papaya, cantaloupe, blueberries, bananas, and apples.