Is this a black beard?

[J4ckdaw-]

This is the underside of Leo’s chin, the scales themselves are not dark but the skin underneath them is pitch black. It’s more visible when you ruffle his scales:

Black beard or natural colouring?

 

[AHBD]

No, that's the coloring under the scales there. A blsck beard can be just about as as black as a piece of coal.