How to Draw a Dove

Begin by drawing a small circle. This will outline the dove's head.

Draw two curved lines extending from the circle, meeting in a point to form the bird's beak. Draw another curved line between the circle and the tip of the beak, indicating the division of the upper and lower portions.

Draw a series of overlapping curved lines, forming the bird's neck as well as the detail of feathers.

Draw a large oval beneath the neck and head, outlining the bird's body.

Draw a long, curved line, connecting the neck to the oval and then extending from it. This extension is the beginning of the dove's tail.

Enclose the wing using a series of curved lines, extending from one side of the oval to the other. Draw several short, curved lines to add detail to the wing.

Draw a long, curved line from the front of the neck to the base of the wing, outlining the bird's neck and stomach.

Erase the guide lines from the head and body.

Draw a long, curved line extending from the wing, outlining the bottom edge of the tail. Draw a series of connected, curved lines to add detail to the center of the tail.

Connect the upper and lower portions of the tail using a series of connected, overlapping curved lines.

Draw a series of connected, curved lines from the wing to the tail. Place additional curved lines within the tail, adding detail.

Enclose the shape of the beak using a curved line. Enclose the shape of the eye using two curved lines, meeting in a point on each side of the eye. Draw a curve across the eye to enclose the pupil. Add detail by drawing a tiny circle. Shade the pupil.

Draw a curved line at the base of the head to indicate the jaw. Then, draw several series of connected, curved lines on the neck, wing, and tail, bestowing the texture of feathers.

Begin the bird's leg by enclosing a roughly triangular shape beneath the wing, using a series of curved lines.

Connect the tip of the triangle shape to the body using a curved line.

Draw the foot using a curved line that repeatedly doubles back on itself, forming an "X" shape. Draw a small, curved triangle at the end of each toe to indicate the claws.

Draw the far foot behind the first, using curved lines. Draw a triangular claw at the tip of each foot.

Draw an "S" shaped line passing through the bird's beak. Draw a straight line to indicate the ground beneath its feet, and lines of various lengths to give the ground texture.

Draw leaves along the "S" shaped line, using two curved lines for each. Use a curved line to draw a vein in the center of each leaf.

Color your dove.

For more great Bird drawing tutorials, see the 41 Step-by-Step Bird Drawing Guides post.