Red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers are two African bird species that live almost entirely on the backs of large mammals. Both are about 20 cm (7.9 in) long, plain brown with buff underparts, and strong feet for clinging to hides.

The most obvious distinction is in the bill: the red-billed is bright red, while the yellow-billed is yellow at the base and red at the tip. Rump color also separates them. Yellow-billed oxpeckers show a pale buff rump, while red-billed oxpeckers have a dark rump that blends with the back. Juveniles of both are duller with brown bills that shift to adult colors. Adults weigh 42-59 g (red-billed) and 57-71 g (yellow-billed).