How to Draw a Bluebird

Step 1: The head

Near the top left draw a big round head, a little wider than tall, with 3 soft puffs on top.

Tip The tuft is 3 gentle hills, not spikes.

Step 2: Stubby beak

From the front of the head draw a short fat beak out to a point and back to the head.

Tip Keep the beak short and fat, not a long bill.

Step 3: One big eye

A finger behind the beak draw a round eye, bigger than the beak, with a black dot and shine.

Step 4: Plump body

Start on the back of the head. Curve down, round a fat belly, and up to stop under the beak.

Tip The body is a plump egg under the head, narrower than the head.

Step 5: Fan tail

From the bird's bottom draw a fan tail pointing down and back, wide at the end. Add 2 feather lines.

Step 6: Folded wing

Under the head draw a teardrop wing down to a point above the tail, with 2 feather lines.

Step 7: Belly curve

Start on the front of the tummy. Draw a gentle curve back across the belly, stopping under the tail.

Step 8: Front leg and toes

Start at the front of the tummy. Draw a short leg down and 3 chubby toes, stopping on the tummy.

Tip Two toes point forward, one back, ready to grip the branch.

Step 9: Back leg and toes

A thumb behind the first leg draw another leg and toes the same way, from the tummy back to it.

Tip Leave a gap between the 2 feet. Both sit at the same height.

Step 10: The branch

From the left edge below the toes draw a long level branch across, round the end, and back left.

Step 11: Orange chest

Colour the chest rusty orange, from the chin down to the belly curve. Leave the tummy white.

Step 12: Blue feathers, grey beak

Colour the head, back, wing and tail bright blue, leaving the eye white. Colour the beak and legs dark grey.

Step 13: Brown branch

Colour the branch brown, around the toes.