Learning how to draw a bird is a fun and easy art project for kids of all ages. Birds come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, so starting with basic bird anatomy allows kids to create endless bird varieties. With just a few simple steps, kids can sketch a basic bird body and add details like feathers, beaks, eyes, and feet. This beginner drawing tutorial breaks down bird drawing into an easy-to-follow process. Read on for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and creative ways to turn simple bird sketches into colorful finished art.
What Supplies Do You Need to Draw a Bird?
Drawing birds only requires a few basic art supplies that most kids already have at home or in their classroom. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Paper – Blank white paper, sketch paper, or construction paper all work well. Heavier drawing paper will hold up better to erasing and reworking.
- Drawing tool – Pencils, colored pencils, crayons, or markers can all be used to draw birds.
- Eraser – Useful for sketching to erase and refine the drawing as you go (optional).
You don’t need any fancy art supplies to learn to draw birds. Simple, basic tools are perfect for beginning artists and allow lots of creativity in the types of birds they can create.
How to Draw a Basic Bird Body and Shape
The most important part of drawing any animal is correctly proportioning the body. Start by teaching kids the basic bird body shape before adding details like feathers and facial features. Here is a simple step-by-step method to draw a side profile bird:
Step 1: Draw a Light Circle for the Body
Use an HB pencil to lightly sketch a circle near the middle of your paper. This will represent the bird’s body, so make sure to leave room above the circle for the head.
Step 2: Add the Tail
Draw a slightly curved line extending down from the body circle. This will be the bird’s tail.
Step 3: Sketch the Neck and Head
Draw a narrow oval shape above the body for the bird’s head. Then connect the head to the body with a slightly curved vertical line for the neck.
Step 4: Add the Beak
Draw a short triangle extending from the bottom of the bird’s head to form its beak. Point the beak slightly downward.
Step 5: Sketch the Legs and Feet
Draw two vertical lines extending from the bottom of the body circle for the legs. Then add inverted V shapes at the bottom for the feet.
You now have a basic bird body outline! Use this as the foundation to draw thousands of unique bird species.
How to Draw Realistic Bird Feathers
Once the body proportions are correct, you can start adding details. The most important detail for any bird drawing is the feathers. Follow these tips for drawing realistic feathers:
Find Photos for Reference
Look at pictures of the type of bird you want to draw. Pay attention to the size, shape, and placement of feathers. Different birds have unique feather patterns.
Start with an Outline
Use short, overlapping curved lines to outline blocks of feathers across the bird’s body, wings, and head. Avoid perfectly straight lines, as real feathers have more texture.
Add Interior Details
Draw small feather details within each outline block. Use curved or zig-zag lines to show fluffy plumes and tufts. Add thinner contour lines around each feather for definition.
Shade with Long Strokes
Use the side of your pencil to shade feathers. Long strokes in the direction of growth create a scalloped look. Leave highlighted areas for depth.
Following the growth direction of real feathers creates a more lifelike effect. Encourage kids to study photos to inform their feather shading.
Bird Drawing Ideas and Inspiration
Once comfortable drawing basic bird anatomy and feathers, kids can start creating more original bird artwork. Here are some fun bird drawing ideas and sources of inspiration:
Draw from Memory
Have kids draw common backyard birds from memory like robins, cardinals, sparrows, or crows. See what details they remember.
Draw Their Favorite Species
Find pictures of unique tropical birds like toucans, parrots, flamingos, or peacocks. Recreate details like colorful plumage.
Illustrate a Bird Book
Invent a storybook starring bird characters. Combine writing stories and art by drawing the bird protagonists.
Go Birdwatching
Head outside with a sketchbook! Have kids directly observe birds in nature and sketch what they see.
Create Hybrid Birds
Invent new birds by combining features from different species. Merge size, beaks, plumage, feet, and colors.
Giving kids creative freedom leads to amazing imaginary birds. Use basic anatomy as a base for endless creativity!
Tips for Drawing Different Types of Birds
While all birds share common anatomy, there are differences between categories. Use these tips to draw specific bird varieties:
Songbirds
Small pointed beaks; round body; small feet; elaborate plumage like cardinals and finches.
Birds of Prey
Sharp hooked beaks; large powerful feet with talons; broad wings like hawks and eagles.
Waterfowl
Smooth waterproof feathers; flat broad bills; webbed feet like ducks and geese.
Ground Birds
Round bodies; small narrow beaks; strong legs; muted plumage like quail.
Tropical Birds
Colorful, elaborate feathers; specialty curved bills like toucans; larger than local birds.
Focusing on the unique traits of each family helps illustrate differences between the many bird species found worldwide.
How to Color Your Bird Drawings
Once your bird outline is complete, it’s time to add color! Coloring brings drawings to life while improving fine motor skills. Here are tips for colorful bird art:
Use Real Bird Photos for Reference
Look at pictures of birds in nature to choose realistic colors for your drawings. Pay attention to subtle color variations.
Start Light with Hard Pressure
Begin applying color with firm pressure using lighter shades. This leaves white highlights.
Blend Colors Softly
Once the base layers are down, softly go over colors to blend them together. Add darker shades for depth.
Leave White Areas
Don’t cover the whole drawing. Leaving white paper creates highlights and makes colors pop.
Add Finishing Details
Use dark values to add final touches like shadows and feather details for extra realism.
Proper shading and color application brings drawings to life. Varying pressure while blending creates depth and highlights.
Creative Ways to Display Bird Art
Once complete, find fun ways to showcase your avian artwork beyond sticking them on the fridge. Here are some creative ideas:
Frame Individual Masterpieces
Frame exceptional bird drawings to hang as wall art. Use colorful matting and frames that complement the art.
Create a Bird Watcher’s Field Guide
Compile multiple bird illustrations into a book. Write fun facts and information to make a unique educational gift.
Hang a Bird Art Gallery
Cover a wall or bulletin board with an avian art gallery. Use twine or decorative frames to display bird sketches.
Make Cards and Gift Wrap
Turn bird drawings into stylish greeting cards or wrapping paper. Kids can create handmade gifts using their art.
Decorate Embroidery Hoops
Stretch small bird drawings over embroidery hoops. Create unique wall ornaments to display.
From ornaments to cards, bird art offers endless creative display methods. Find ways to show off their hard work that provide additional learning opportunities for kids.
Bird Drawing Tutorials for Beginners
Watching step-by-step bird drawing tutorials can provide helpful guidance for budding artists. Here are excellent beginner-friendly video tutorials to try:
How to Draw Birds – Step by Step for Kids
This kid-friendly cartoon bird tutorial from Draw So Cute art academy starts with basic shapes before progressing to an adorable finished piece. Easy to follow along.
Draw a Bird Easy
Short video from Art for Kids Hub demonstrates how to draw a bluebird using simple shapes and lines. Great for young beginners.
Drawing for Kids | How to Draw a Cute Bird
An 11 minute tutorial by Let’s Draw! shows how to draw a robin step-by-step. Gives tips for drawing beaks, eyes, and feathers.
How to draw a Realistic Bird using colored pencils | Tutorial for BEGINNERS
For older kids, this super realistic pencil drawing video tutorial will teach shading and detail techniques for lifelike birds.
Easy Step-by-Step Birds Drawing Tutorials for Kids
A birds drawing playlist from Easy Drawings features multiple types like owls, eagles, and parrots. Short cartoony tutorials perfect for kindergarten.
Video tutorials provide an easy way for visual learners to follow along drawing their own bird art masterpiece. Find one that fits your child’s skill level.
Fun Ways to Take Bird Drawing Further
Once comfortable sketching basic birds, kids can expand their skills in new directions:
Draw Birds in Action
Go beyond side profiles. Illustrate birds mid-flight with wings outstretched or care for babies in nests.
Use Watercolors
Try painting bird art using watercolors for a soft, feathery look. Wet-on-wet techniques create colorful backgrounds.
Sculpt 3D Birds
Take bird drawings off the page by sculpting with clay. Fold paper drawings to use as texture templates.
Design Repeating Patterns
Create unlimited wallpaper, gift wrap, and fabric designs using repeating prints of bird drawings.
Explore Mixed Media
Collage found materials like twigs, leaves, and fabric with drawings to add new dimensions.
Once comfortable with the fundamentals, keep things fun by trying new materials and pushing creativity in new directions. The possibilities for unique bird art are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions About Drawing Birds
Still have questions about getting started with bird drawing for kids? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What age is best for drawing birds?
Kids as young as 3 or 4 can start learning basic bird shapes. Add more detail as coordination develops. 5-12 are ideal for developing fundamental art skills.
How do I know what supplies to use?
Start with simple paper and pencils. Add colors like crayons, markers or paints once comfortable with black and white sketches. Let kids explore materials.
What if my child gets frustrated?
Go slowly and focus on enjoyment over realistic results. Erase and retry rather than erasing altogether. Praise effort and experimentation.
Should I give specific direction or let them lead?
Balance giving guidance like how to draw feet with allowing imagination to run free. Provide support but let kids make it their own.
How do I encourage drawing practice?
Make sure supplies are easily accessible for free drawing time. Show enthusiasm for their artwork. Lead by example and draw together.
Drawing alongside your child is the best encouragement. Make bird art fun rather than a chore. Focus on growth over perfection.
Conclusion
Learning how to draw a bird opens up a world of creative possibilities for kids. Use the simple beginner tips and step-by-step instructions in this guide to teach fundamental art and bird anatomy skills. Encourage kids to spread their wings and let their unique creative style take flight! At every stage – from simple outlines to detailed, realistic renderings – emphasize the joy of creating over rigid accuracy. Bird drawing is a wonderful way to boost fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and interest in nature and science. Perhaps most importantly, guiding children to draw birds will help shape an artistic eye and give them skills to explore their creativity for a lifetime.
