Yellow-billed hornbills feed mainly on the ground, where they forage for seeds, small insects, spiders and scorpions.

This hornbill species is a common and widespread resident of dry thornveldt and broad-leafed woodlands.

It is a medium-sized bird, 48–60 cm (19–24 in) in length, 132–242 g (0.29–0.53 lb) in weight and is characterized by a long yellow and down-curved beak.

The size difference of the beak is a fairly reliable way of differentiating sex in wild hornbills.

It is small, but it covers almost the entire length of the beak in males (less so in females), and may give the impression that they do not actually have a casque.

As in all hornbills, the size of the beak actually intrudes on the frontal vision of the bird and the first two neck vertebrae are fused together.

Southern yellow-billed hornbills have no plumage pigmentation save for melanin, which can only produce shades of black and white.

The related eastern yellow-billed hornbill from north-eastern Africa has blackish skin around the eyes.

[3] The southern yellow-billed hornbill lives mostly in the dry, open savannas, but they are also very partial to woodlands when they can find them.

The highest reported concentration of southern yellow-billed hornbill is in open mopane scrub.

The southern yellow-billed hornbill lacks the underwing coverts which enhances the flow of air when it flies.

However, before the actual breeding is done, there is the courtship feeding of females, mutual preening, copulation and prospecting of nests sites that must be done.

The nests are in natural cavities in trees, cliffs or earth banks between 1 and 12 meters from the ground.

The male then proceeds to bring bark, leaves and grass which will be put on the bottom of the nest.

During this time, the female will seal herself inside the nest by blocking the entry with a wall made from her droppings and food remains.

Taking advantage of the fact that she is imprisoned; the female will shed all of her flight and tail feathers simultaneously and regrow them during the time she stays with the chicks.