The males of the southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) have a casque over their long, yellow decurved beak. Around the eyes, below the eyes, and at the base of the bill, they have naked red flesh. They have yellow eyes. They have a gray core to their crown that extends to their nape, and a dark grey forehead. Sides of the head are white. Dark grey foot and short, powerful legs. With white scales on the wings, the upper parts are mostly black and extensively speckled. Black covers the rump, back, and long tail. Greyish brown flight feathers have white edges. Paler on the underside. The top breast has a faint black streak, and the neck is white with dark grey spots.