The Von der Decken's Hornbill has a varied diet that includes fruits, seeds, insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small mammals. It forages both on the ground and in trees, using its large, curved bill to pick food items from the ground or pluck them from branches.

The Von der Decken's Hornbill is a relatively social species, often foraging in pairs or small family groups. Males have a red and white bill, and females have a black bill. They can live up to 20 years.

During nesting season, they make one of the safest nests int he world.  The female uses mud and other material to seal herself inside a tree cavity, with only a small hole for food. She then lays 2 to 3 white eggs, which she incubates for around 30 days while the male brings her food. She stays inside the nest for several weeks after the eggs hatch, until the chicks grow large enough that there isn't much room left in the nest. Then the female breaks out of the nest and re-seals the entrance. Both parents bring food to the chicks until they are ready to fledge at about 50 days old.

Von der Decken's Hornbills are considered Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but like many species they face the problem of habitat loss as human cities and farms continue to expand. This species has shown some adaptability to habitat disturbance, finding ways to forage in farmland and near human settlements. It's likely that their population will remain stable for years to come.