How to Draw a Simple Bird: A Quick Guide

Draw two large circular eyes, making sure they are the same size. The space between the eyes should be equal on both sides for proper symmetry.

Also, add a small highlight inside each eye to make them look glossy and lifelike.

Step 2: Draw the Beak in the Center

At the top of the vertical line, lightly sketch a rounded oval for the basic shape of the bird’s head.

Below the head, draw a larger oval that tapers slightly at the bottom—this is the body. Add several curved lines inside the body to represent feathers.

Birds have thin legs with sharp claws. So, draw two slightly curved lines extending downward from the lower part of the body.

At the end of each one, draw three sharp forward-facing claws and one small backward claw for balance.

If you want to follow the image, draw these ovals under the body on each side to act as the feet.

In the end, add a tail for the bird with feathers popping from behind the branch you drew. Now, add some colors to your artwork, and it's done.

Prefer to learn by watching? Here’s a full video tutorial that walks you through each step we just covered. Grab your pencil and draw along!

Credit to @Draw So Cute from YouTube

Awesome job! You and your little artist just created a cheerful cartoon bird. Try drawing a whole flock in different colors or even making up your own bird species!

The bird's body is like a big oval or circle. So, draw a big oval to form the body. Make sure to draw it lightly so you can adjust the shape if needed.

An easy tip for kids is to grab a small lid and place it on the paper. Then, trace around it to make a perfect circle.

Step 2: Add a Small Circle for the Head

Now, draw a smaller circle on top of the body, slightly overlapping it. This will be the bird's head.

You can use a smaller object at hand, like a bottle cap or a coin, to make a smaller circle if freehand is tough for you.

Step 3: Draw the Bird's Wings

After refining and combining the head and the body, draw a curved shape like a small rainbow on the side. This will be one of the wings as we're drawing this simple bird from the side view.

Instead of drawing wings from scratch, place a spoon next to the body and trace the curved edges to make the wing shape.

Step 4: Add a Short Tail

Now draw a tail next to the back of the body, under the feather, preferably.

For it to work, draw two or three lines sticking out like feathers. If making tail shapes is tricky, draw three small leaf-like shapes together.

You can also use your pinky finger to measure how long the tail should be.

Step 5: Draw a Tiny Triangle for the Beak

In the middle of the head, draw a small triangle pointing outward. This will be the bird's beak.

Step 6: Add Head Feathers and a Small Dot for the Eye

Inside the head, draw a little circle for the eye. If you want, you can use the end of a pencil or a pen cap to gently press on the paper, which would leave a small circle mark. This makes it easy to get around eyes.

Add some shading to make the eye pop out more. Also, use small pencil strokes to draw the feathers around the head and the body of this simple bird.

Step 7: Draw the Feet

Under the body, draw two thin lines for the legs. At the bottom of each one, add three lines to make tiny feet. In the image above, we have also added a branch, and you can do that to make the feet more prominent on the branch.

Instead of worrying about perfect feet, just draw two "L" shapes upside down for simple feet. Another fun way is to draw a tiny letter "Y" at the bottom to represent the feet.

Step 8: Add Color and Details

Here comes the fun part: coloring the bird! You can make it bluish like a silver-eared mesia, yellow like a canary, or any color you love.

Add fun patterns like polka dots and stripes! If you want to make it fancier, use stickers or colored paper to cut shapes and glue them onto your bird for a fun craft version.

Step 9: Show Off Your Drawing

You did it! Your bird drawing is ready to fly. Show it off to your family and friends. You can even draw more birds in different colors to create a whole flock!

If you want to learn how to make more birds quickly, use your first drawing as a template. Place a new sheet of paper on top, lightly trace over it, and color them differently!

Not sure if your bird looks right? No worries — we’ve got your back! Check out the full video tutorial below and follow along at your own pace.

Credit to @Sayataru Creation from YouTube

Summing Up

Great job! Now you know how to draw a simple bird from the side view, which is perfect for kids and beginners, and the front view, which adds more detail for the artist. 

With practice and time, you can add more feathers, shading, and backgrounds to your design to make your bird even more lifelike. Keep drawing, experiment with different styles and different feather colors, but most importantly—have fun creating!

FAQs About How to Draw a Simple Bird

How can I make my bird drawing look more realistic? 

Add feather details using light, curved strokes. Also, use shading to create depth, especially around the wings and tail. Highlight the eyes with small white reflections to give them a glossy and life-like appearance. 

What’s the best way to draw symmetrical bird eyes?

For symmetrical bird eyes, lightly sketch a guideline across the head and place dots where the eyes should be. Then, draw circles around the dots, ensuring an equal distance from the center for proper symmetry, before refining the details. 

What’s a common mistake to avoid when drawing birds?

Many beginners make the head too big or the wings uneven. Always start with light sketches and check proportions before adding final details. Also, avoid making the legs too short or the tail too small.