Hmmm... would you like to learn how to draw a hummingbird? Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, known for their acrobatics and petulant personalities. Let this drawing tutorial be your guide to the hummingbird's amazing world.
There are about 320 species of hummingbird, all of which as endemic to North and South America.
They fill the niche of pollinators, using their long beaks and tongues to feed on flower nectar. All hummingbirds are small. The largest is the giant hummingbird, which reaches a length of 8 inches. The bee hummingbird is the smallest of all bird species at only 2 inches long.
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Hummingbirds get their name from the sound their wings make when they flap up to 80 times per second. Hummingbirds are also the only bird capable of flying backward.
Many birdwatchers place hummingbird feeders in their backyards to attract the birds. A solution of 1 cup white cane sugar to 4 cups of boiled water can be safely used. No food coloring or other additives should be used.
If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Cartoon Bird, Mockingbird, and Eastern Bluebird.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing a Hummingbird
1. Begin by sketching the hummingbird's head. Use two long curved lines for the beak, allowing them to meet at a point. Draw curved lines above and below the beak to outline the head and neck.
Draw a curved line down the center of the beak to separate the upper and lower portions, then contour the base of the beak with curved lines. Use curved lines to outline the rounded triangle shape of the eye, and shade a round pupil within it.
2. Next, begin the wing. Draw a long, curved line overlapping the base of the neck. This is the leading edge of the wing. Near the base, draw several layers of "U" shaped lines. Then, use long curved lines to outline the flight feathers. Texture the face with "U" shaped feathers.
3. Continue to draw flight feathers until the wing is complete. Notice how each new feather is a bit smaller than the last. Then, use a series of connected curved lines to sketch the base of the bird's tail.
4. Draw the long tail feathers. For each feather, extend a long curved line and double it back upon itself. Then use a series of curved lines to draw the belly, connecting the tail to the neck. Notice that a small section is left unconnected. There, you will draw the feet.
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5. Draw the bird's feet. Indicate the legs with a series of short curved lines. Then, sketch the feet. Use overlapping lines to form the slender toes. Then, begin drawing the remaining wing. Extend a long curved line from the back and double it back upon itself.
6. Complete the wing. Draw several layers of "U" shaped lines near its base. Then, draw long curved lines overlapping one another to form the flight feathers.
7. Texture the bird's body with short curved lines. Then, draw its food source - a flower. Draw a circle for the center of the flower, then begin sketching heart-shaped petals all around it.
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8. Complete the flower by drawing the petals. Then, sketch a second flower, again using a circular center and heart-shaped flowers.
9. Finish drawing any remaining petals. Then draw parallel lines beneath the flowers to form the stems. For each leaf, extend two curved lines and allow them to meet at a point.
Color your cartoon hummingbird. These beautiful little birds come in many colors. In North America, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common. These birds have iridescent green backs and white bellies. The males also sport a bright red patch on the front of the throat.
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The Complete Hummingbird Drawing Tutorial in One Image
Printable Drawing Tutorial
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Kind of confuzing but very helpful
Hey Lucy, this is a more "in detail" tutorial. You can check my other bird drawing guides, they are easier to learn!
thanks so much
You're welcome! Did you have fun drawing the hummingbird? 😎