Of the two Hornbills occurring in Sri Lanka, this one has its underparts white while the upper parts are grey with a brown crown.  The long grey tail with white tip tend to develop white outer edges with age.  Sexes alike except for the bill of the female is dull black with cream cutting edges.  Male has it cream with a blackish patch at the base.  A common bird in all low-country forests, well-wooded areas and gardens.  It occurs in both wet and dry zones, occasionally ascends the hills to about 1300 metres.