52 Easy Bird Drawing Tutorials

Swans are large water birds. They often symbolize grace and beauty. Their white feathers may represent purity. Australia is home to black swans. Did you know? The Ugly Ducking in the children's story grew up to be a beautiful swan!

Owls have had various meanings in different cultures. Some considered them a bad omen, while today they often represent wisdom. This is linked to the mythology of the goddess Athena. About 250 species of owls live worldwide, from tiny burrowing elf owls to large great horned and snowy owls. What kind will you draw?

There are six species of flamingos, many of which sport an intriguing pink color. They may migrate in flocks numbering into the millions. Did you know? The flamingo's bright plumage is the result of a diet of algae and invertebrates rich in carotenoid pigments.

The rooster or cock is the male chicken. It is known for its long, colorful tail feathers and its signature cock-a-doodle-doo call. Did you know? Contrary to popular belief, roosters don't just crow in the morning to wake people up. They may begin crowing in the middle of the night and continue throughout the day!

A peacock is a male peafowl, a turkey-sized bird known for its long tail of striking, iridescent blue and green feathers. When displaying to a female - known as a peahen - the peacock holds his tail aloft like an elegant fan.

Seagulls are prolific throughout the world. They are known for noisy squawking and for stealing food from tourists! The seagull's range is not limited to the sea - many migrate inland for the summer or winter, where they can be seen in parking lots or landfills.

The bald eagle is the national animal of the United States of America. Its head appears on currency, military insignia, and in many other patriotic images. As you draw, notice that the eagle's head really isn't bald - its white feathers simply contrast with the brown feathers of its body.

This standard bird can serve as a basis for any bird species you want to record. Will it remain a white dove as in our illustration? Or will you craft it into a brightly colored parrot or a familiar songbird? It all depends on how you color it.

Our cartoon bluebird resembles Kessie from The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Use this cartoon bird in flight to create any type of bird you want to draw. How? Simply color it as you wish!

Pigeons are common sights in cities around the world. But did you know that Australia, New Guinea, and the surrounding islands are home to brightly colored pigeons? Some are marked in oranges, rosy hues, and greens, resembling a ripening fruit. The Victoria crowned pigeon is as large as a turkey, bright blue in color, and sports a crown of feathers on its head!

Turkeys may make you think of Thanksgiving dinner, but did you know? Wild turkeys can be spotted throughout the Americas. They may gather in flocks of hundreds, darkening the trees when they roost for the night.

Baby birds are not commonly seen by bird watchers. Why? Because they remain safely tucked inside their nests until they grow their grown-up feathers and learn to fly. If you watch a nest carefully, you may see a mother bird feeding worms or insects to her hungry chicks.

The northern cardinal or redbird is a favorite North American feeder bird. The males have bright red feathers, and the females are reddish-brown. Cardinals don't migrate; they are present in both summer and winter. Their brightly colored feathers really stand out against the snow!

Tweety Bird is one of the most famous cartoon birds. He's been a fan favorite for almost one hundred years. This spunky little bird is known for its mischievous personality.

When you think of pelicans, do you think of Disney's Finding Nemo? Or have you observed these large birds in the wild? Pelicans are synonymous with coastal life and beach culture.

Eagles in flight are often described as majestic. Learn how to draw a bald eagle, a symbol of the United States. Or, shade your drawing to represent another eagle species, such as the golden eagle.

Did you know? There are an estimated 25.9 billion chickens in the world. That's three chickens to every human! Farms large and small raise chickens for meat, for eggs, or as pets.

Falcons are birds of prey known for their skill in hunting. For centuries, humans have raised and trained falcons in a sport known as falconry. Our illustration is shaded to represent the most well-known falcon species, the peregrine falcon.

What is that bundle of sticks and strings? Maybe it's a bird's nest! If you are quiet and watch carefully, you may be able to observe eggs or chicks in the nest. In North America, wrens often nest in the most unlikely places - garages, mailboxes, even old shoes!

Perhaps you prefer a different kind of bird watching - watching them launch themselves at the egg-stealing piggies! Learn how to draw Red from Angry Birds..

This cute little guy is no ugly duckling! Fill your pond with sketches of this adorable baby duck.

All good things must come to an end, including the fluttering feathers of a beautiful bird. But, you can learn a lot by studying bird biology with the help of this skeletal drawing guide.

Hawks are birds of prey or raptors. They are similar to eagles but usually smaller. What kinds of hawks can be found where you live? In North America, the red-tailed hawk is a common sight. And yes, it is colored as its name suggests.

Geese are common symbols of rural life. Fill your pond with sketches of this honking waterbird.

Large, colorful blue jays are common across North America. They are often used as sports team mascots.

Vultures are nature's cleanup crew, as they eat dead animals. Did you know? Some vultures find their meals by sight, while others follow their noses.

Did you learn how to draw a baby duck? If so, you must give your ducklings a mother with the help of this easy cartoon drawing tutorial.

Does your family have a tradition of adopting chicks on Easter? You can bring home this adorable baby bird hatching from an egg any time of year.

From Toucan Sam to Tookie Tookie, toucans often represent the jungle or the tropics.

Did you know? Tiny acrobatic hummingbirds are only native to the Americas. But you can draw one of these amazing feats of nature no matter where you live.

Let's take a closer look at just one part of the bird - the feather. Do you notice the central shaft or rachis, and the individual barbs that make up the vane?

Different types of robins live in Europe and North America. Which variety will you draw? Shade yours to represent the species that live near you.

The dove is a symbol of peace, especially when holding an olive branch in its mouth, as this one is. Doves play a role in the mythology and symbolism of many religions.

Tiny sparrows can be seen around the world. Do the markings on the sparrows where you live differ from our illustration?

Penguins are flightless birds specially adapted to life in the seas. They are one of the cutest birds around!

Some birds pair off for life. One such bird is the lovebird, a small green and orange parrot. Draw these cute lovebirds to show someone you care.

“Polly want a picture?” Learn how to draw a tropical parrot with the help of this drawing guide. Will your parrot live deep in the jungle or perch on a pirate's shoulder?

North American bird watchers love to catch a glimpse of an eastern bluebird. Its bright blue feathers and reddish-orange breast make it a standout among familiar feeder birds.

Ravens, crows, and blackbirds are seen as bearers of bad luck in some cultures. But these large birds are actually some of the smartest animals around!

The mockingbird is found throughout the Americas. Its name comes from its ability to imitate the sounds of other birds, as well as barking dogs, car alarms, chainsaws, and more. It has been immortalized in literature such as To Kill a Mockingbird and the Hunger Games series.

Birds often play a role in mythology and symbolism. The phoenix is one example. This fiery bird is said to have lit a funeral pyre for itself and dove into the flames. It later arose from the ashes, reborn anew.

Got your slingshot ready? What about your pencil and paper? This speedy, triangle-shaped angry bird is ready for action.

Unlike most birds, Porgs don't have beaks - they have small, fleshy mouths and noses instead. But their body shape, coloring, wings, and feet are reminiscent of a real shorebird called a puffin.

Daffy Duck is a longtime classic cartoon character. It's always duck season with this Looney Tunes star.

Ostriches are the largest birds in the world - do you have enough paper? Sketch this one's long neck and legs, as well as its feathered body.

If you want to see more birds, all you need is a bird feeder! Learn how to sketch one here.

Puffins look a lot like penguins, but these birds can fly! Draw its tuxedo-pattern feathers and detailed beak.

Up for a game of Duck, Duck, Goose? Here's the first of your ducks. The male mallard with his ringneck is a common sight on North American ponds.

Macaws are quintessential parrots. In this portrait, the bird is perched on a branch, wings drawn, and head turned curiously to one side.

Like penguins and puffins, magpies have black and white tuxedo-patterned feathers. But their body style is like that of a crow.

With their long legs and snakelike necks, herons are elegant birds. The tuft of feathers on its head finishes off the look.

Who-hoo-hoo would you like to draw today? This cartoon owl portrait has adorably large eyes and wise-looking feather tufts that resemble eyebrows.