The size and shape of this bill varies between the species. Apart from one species, the bill is filled with a cellular tissue as opposed to being solid. The bill is not, therefore as cumbersome as it may appear. It is filled with many air chambers and is very useful for reaching fruit on distant branches. The hornbill ranges in length from two to five feet.
Most hornbills have black, white or gray plumage but many have strikingly colourful bills.
The hornbill is an outstanding bird with regard to the fact that its bones have much larger air spaces than most birds. The bird also has distinctively stout eyelashes, something which is not seen in most birds. The hornbill, however, is not as accomplished a flyer as many other birds. Despite this they are capable of flying long distances. The noise that results from their flying motion is quite distinctive.