Do you want to learn how to draw a pigeon as confidently and freely as it manages to fly in the sky? So this guide is just for you!

How to Draw a Pigeon: Basic Information

I have previously shared lessons on drawing pigeons on my website, covering various aspects of these fascinating birds. In this lesson, I aim to teach you how to draw a pigeon in flight, capturing its dynamic movement and elegant form.

Since ancient times, people have considered the pigeon a symbol of peace in the world. In our previous lessons on drawing a pigeon, we already told you that these birds are one of the most common on the planet.

The pigeon’s dynamic pose allows artists to practice capturing movement on paper, from the curvature of its wings to the tilt of its head, conveying its graceful flight.

Furthermore, the pigeon’s drawing encourages an eye for symmetry, as artists must balance the left and right wings, tail feathers, and other bilateral features. This helps improve hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness, laying a foundation for more advanced artistic endeavors.

Materials:

Pencil
Paper
Eraser
Coloring supplies

Pigeon Drawing Tutorial

Time needed: 20 minutes

How to Draw a Pigeon

Draw a circle for the head.
Start by sketching a simple circle. This will form the head of the pigeon. Ensure it is not too large or too small compared to the intended size of the final drawing. Position the circle roughly in the center of the top third of the page to allow room for the body and wings. Keep the lines light to facilitate easy corrections.
Draw the eyes and the beak.
Add facial features to the head. Draw two small circles for the eyes, placing them towards the top of the head, leaving space for the beak. Ensure the eyes are evenly spaced and symmetrical. Then, draw a simple triangular beak pointing downward, below the eyes, connecting it to the head with a small curve.
Illustrate the outlines of the torso.
Extend a curved line downward from the head to form the body of the pigeon. The body shape resembles an elongated oval, tilting slightly downward to the right. Make sure it’s proportionate to the head to maintain a balanced appearance for the pigeon.
Draw the wings.
Draw a pair of large wings on either side of the pigeon’s body. Begin from the upper part of the body, extending outward with a curving line to form the upper edge of each wing. Then, draw a scalloped pattern to the lower edges, creating a feathery texture.
Add the tail of the pigeon.
At the base of the pigeon’s body, draw a set of tail feathers. These are rectangular shapes spreading outward from the bottom of the body, creating a fan-like pattern. Draw three to five feather segments, ensuring they are evenly spaced and form a balanced tail.
Draw the feathers.
Refine the wings by adding details. Draw lines inside the wings, starting from the body and extending outwards, separating the feathers. This gives the wings a more realistic, feathery appearance, enhancing the overall drawing. Add enough feather lines to each wing, making them appear layered and natural.
Detail the body of the pigeon.
Draw additional details on the body. Add a series of curved lines near the middle of the body to form a patterned belly. Ensure these lines follow the natural curvature of the body. Then, add small circles or ovals below, representing the pigeon’s feet, positioning them evenly beneath the body.
Erase the guidelines.
Review the pigeon drawing and refine it. Ensure all lines are smooth and connected, and the proportions are consistent. Check for any missing details, including additional feather lines or facial expressions, and add them as needed. Consider adding small lines around the eyes for added expression.
Color the pigeon.
Color the drawing to bring it to life. Use gray, blue, and purple hues for the body, wings, and head, ensuring the colors blend smoothly. Color the beak yellow or orange, and add details to the eyes by shading them or adding pupils.

And, of course, a traditional free PDF version of the guide is available, offering additional resources to enhance the learning experience. The PDF includes the complete guide to drawing a pigeon, as well as bonus materials designed to reinforce your skills.

You’ll find a coloring page to experiment with hues, a tracing worksheet to help you practice steady lines and proportions, and a grid drawing worksheet to develop your sense of scale and symmetry. These extras ensure you have all the tools necessary to create a beautiful pigeon drawing, from start to finish, while honing essential artistic skills.

Pigeon drawing tutorial and additional printables

Conclusion

I guided you through the process of drawing a cartoon pigeon created for kids. If you found this instruction helpful, consider subscribing to Howtodrawforkids.com for more easy-to-follow tutorials. Additionally, share this guide with your friends so they too can enjoy creating this charming pigeon. Remember, my site offers foundational lessons on drawing techniques, helping you progress from the basics to drawing like a real artist.