This 104 cm sized bird likes primary forests and swamp forests. Occasionally, he visits secondary forests and patches of remaining forest ranging from 1,100 meters high and even up to 1,800 meters.
The main characteristic of the Knobbed Hornbill is the large horn-like casque on its beak, dark-red color on the male, while the female's casque is yellow and smaller in size.
This species is endemic to Sulawesi (including Gorontalo) and its satellite islands namely Lembeh, Muna, Butung, and the Togian Islands.
The IUCN has declared the Knobbed Hornbill’s status as Vulnerable/VU, and is protected by the Government Regulation No 7 of 1999 concerning Preservation of Plants and Animals.