The Rufous-necked Hornbill is distributed in Bhutan, north-east India, Myanmar, southern Yunnan and south-east Tibet, China, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Historically it was much more widespread but loss of habitat and hunting for food has caused a dramatic decline in recent years and it is now classified as Vulnerable by Birdlife International.

It is found in tall, broadleaved forest where it feeds on fruits such as figs and mangoes. It requires tall, mature trees for feeding and for nesting when the female seals herself into a hole in a tree using droppings and food scraps. She remains in this nest for about 3 months and only emerges when the chick fledges.