These impressive birds are hunted on their native islands for food and as a trophy. Their skulls are sometimes worn as ornaments. Like other hornbills, they are primarily fruit eaters. During breeding season, the male attracts a mate by bouncing on a branch and calling out with loud, raucous grunts.

This species is also known as the Blyth's hornbill.

Did You Know?

You can tell a female Papuan hornbill from a male by looking at its head. The female's head is all black and the male has rust-colored head feathers.