How to Draw a Parrot Step by Step
Step 1: Draw the Head and Back
Start with a big curved line for the top of the head. Let it sweep down to make the parrot’s back. Then draw a wavy line for the front of the face and neck, with a small notch near the bottom. This is the basic shape of your parrot.
Step 2: Add a Big, Cute Eye
Draw a large circle near the front of the head. Inside it, draw a smaller circle for the pupil. Leave two tiny white dots in the pupil to show shine. A big eye makes your parrot look cute and friendly.
Step 3: Draw the Curved Beak
Parrots have a strong, hooked beak. Draw the top part of the beak curving down like a hook. Then draw a smaller, rounded lower beak underneath it.
Step 4: Add Fluffy Chest Feathers
At the bottom of the neck, draw a short zig-zag line. This fluffy edge shows where the soft head feathers end and the body begins.
Step 5: Draw the Wing
Draw a long oval shape, like a stretched egg. Start it just behind the head and let it slant down to the right. This is the parrot’s folded wing.
Step 6: Add Feather Details on the Wing
Draw a row of small bumps across the top part of the wing. These are the small feathers. Below them, draw a few long lines to show the big flight feathers.
Step 7: Draw the Belly
Draw a smooth curved line from the chest feathers down to the bottom of the wing. This makes the parrot’s round belly.
Step 8: Add the Long Tail
Draw two long, thin tail feathers coming out from under the wing. Parrots have beautiful long tails, so don’t make them too short!
Step 9: Draw the Crest
On top of the head, draw three or four small curved feathers sticking up. This little crest gives your parrot a fun, cheeky look.
Step 10: Draw the Feet
Under the belly, draw the parrot’s feet. Parrots have two toes pointing forward and two pointing back, which helps them hold on tight. Add small lines on the toes and tiny curved claws.
Step 11: Draw the Branch
Draw a long branch under the feet, slanting across the page. Add a few lines along it and a small broken twig to show the wood.
Step 12: Add Leaves
Draw a few small leaves on both ends of the branch. Add a line down the middle of each leaf to make it look real.
Step 13: Finish Your Drawing
Trace over your best pencil lines with a black marker or pen. Wait for the ink to dry, then gently erase any extra pencil lines. Great job, your parrot drawing is ready to color!
How to Color Your Parrot
Parrots come in many bright colors, so you can be creative. Here are three easy color ideas:
- Green parrot: Color the body and wing green, the beak yellow or light orange, and add a little red on the wing tips. Make the branch brown and the leaves green.
- Scarlet macaw: Color the head and body red, the top of the wing yellow, and the long wing and tail feathers blue.
- Blue-and-gold macaw: Color the back, wing and tail blue, the belly and chest yellow-gold, and the beak black or dark gray.
Tip: Color the light colors (like yellow) first, then the dark colors. Leave the white shine dots in the eye uncolored so the eye still sparkles.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Make the eye big. A large eye with a white shine dot makes a cartoon parrot look cute. A tiny eye makes it look serious.
- Hook the beak. A parrot’s beak curves down like a hook. A straight beak will look more like a different bird.
- Keep the tail long. The two tail feathers should be about as long as the wing. Short tails are the most common mistake.
- Slant the wing. Draw the wing at an angle, not straight down, so the parrot looks like it is sitting on the branch.
- Draw light first, dark last. Use soft pencil lines until Step 13. Only then trace with a marker.
- Don’t worry about perfect. Every parrot is different. If one line looks wobbly, call it a fluffy feather!
Fun Facts About Parrots
- There are roughly 410 species of parrots in the world.
- Parrots have zygodactyl feet, which means two toes face forward and two face back. That is why they are great at climbing and holding food.
- Along with crows and ravens, parrots are thought to be among the smartest birds, and many can copy human speech.
- Some large parrots, like macaws and cockatoos, can live for up to 80 years.
- Sadly, about one in three parrot species is threatened with extinction.
Source: Parrot – Wikipedia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you draw a parrot easily?
Start with a curved line for the head and back, then add a big eye and a hooked beak. Next, draw an oval wing, a round belly and two long tail feathers. Finish with the feet on a branch.
How long does it take to draw a parrot?
About 15–20 minutes to draw the outline, plus around 10 minutes to color it.
What colors should I use for a parrot?
A green body with a yellow beak is the classic look. For a macaw, use red, yellow and blue, or blue and yellow-gold.
Is this parrot drawing good for kids?
Yes. It uses simple shapes and shows each new line in red, so kids aged 5 and up can follow it easily.
How many toes does a parrot have?
Parrots have four toes on each foot. Two point forward and two point back.
How do I make my parrot drawing look more realistic?
Make the eye smaller, add more layers of feathers on the wing and tail, and use light-to-dark shading instead of flat colors.
Can I print this parrot drawing tutorial?
Yes! Download the free printable PDF above. It includes all the steps, a coloring page and a tracing page.