The Hornbills is a comprehensive treatment of all 54 species of these fascinating birds. They are an Old World family, found in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and throughout southeast Asia and Indonesia to Papua New Guinea. Birds of the forest, their diet is mainly fruit and insects, and they have large, distinctively shaped bills which of course give them their name. They are also known for interesting social behaviour and nesting habits.

Alan Kemp first introduces the hornbill group in seven chapters, illustrated by two colour plates of hornbill habitats and nest sites and many line drawings. These chapters give an overview of the family, summarizing a wide range of literature and describing all facets of hornbill life with a wealth of examples. They combine a readable style with the author's scientific grasp of his subject.

Then follow the 54 species accounts, each one giving a complete description of the bird in its natural state. This information has been gleaned from the literature and the author's own research in Africa and Asia. Complementing the species accounts are twelve superb colour plates by Martin Woodcock, showing the birds in all their variations at rest and in flight.