The black-necked aracari measures 35–45 cm (14–18 in) long and weighs 177-309 grams (6-10.9 oz.) It is a typical but thickset aracari with a single red band across its otherwise yellow chest. Its upper mandible is pale yellow while the lower mandible is black.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and heavily degraded former forest.
The black-necked aracari nests in hollows in the trees created by either woodpeckers or by broken tree branches.
