How to Draw a Sandpiper

Step 1: The head

Near the top, left of the middle, draw a small round head, a little wider than tall.

Tip Leave room on the left for a long bill and lots of room below.

Step 2: Long thin bill

Start on the front of the head. Draw a long thin straight bill out to a point, then back.

Tip The bill is nearly as long as the head is wide.

Step 3: One big eye

Behind the bill, in the middle of the head, draw a big round eye. Add a black dot inside.

Tip Leave a white speck in the black dot, and a strip of cheek between the bill and the eye.

Step 4: Long plump body

Start at the back of the head. Draw a big long oval body round and stop at the chin.

Tip The body is the biggest shape: level, and much longer than the head.

Step 5: Pointed tail

Start on the back end of the body. Draw a short pointed tail out and back. Stop on the body.

Tip The top of the tail carries the back line straight on.

Step 6: Folded wing

Start on the back behind the neck. Draw a long U wing along the side. Stop at the tail.

Tip Add 2 short feather lines inside the back of the wing.

Step 7: Thin front leg

From the tummy draw a thin straight leg down to a knee, then on down to 3 toes.

Tip The knee bends backwards. Keep the leg thin and straight, not wobbly.

Step 8: Thin back leg

Draw the other leg the same way, a hand further back. Leave a gap between the 2 feet.

Step 9: Sandy shore

Draw a long ground line from edge to edge, just under the feet.

Tip Use a ruler if you like.

Step 10: Yellow legs, sandy ground

Leave the chest and tummy white, like the paper. Colour the legs yellow and the ground sand.

Step 11: Tan head

Colour the head tan, all round the eye. Leave the eye white.

Step 12: Brown wing, black bill

Colour the wing and the tail brown and the long bill black. Your sandpiper is done!