The five species in the genus Bycanistes all have a large casque, particularly prominent among males. These hornbills are much like their Asian cousins: they feed mainly on fruits and inhabit forests.
 
The pair sets the nest in a natural cavity of a large tree and seals the entrance with mud pellets formed by the male. The male feeds the female through the narrow slit that remains. The female leaves the nest when the chick fledges, about 2 months and a half later.