This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a cardinal step by step. You will build a cute cardinal with simple shapes and calm, steady lines. Take your time, and enjoy watching your bird come together.

What You Will Need

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Black marker or fineliner
• Red, orange, and a dark gray or black coloring tool
• Paper

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• Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
• 24 Colored Crayon Set
• A4 Printer Paper
• Crayola Coloring Pencils
• HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!

Time needed:

18 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Outline the Cardinal’s Head and Body

Start with a large, rounded shape for the body, leaving extra space at the top for the head. Add a backward-curving pointy crest on top, using two or three small bumps to show layered feathers. Let the side lines stop before closing the bottom so you can add details later.

Pro Tip: Keep the crest tip slightly rounded so it looks natural.

[Alt Text: Early sketch of a cardinal showing a rounded body outline and a pointed, layered crest on top.]

Step 2: Add Two Large Eyes

Place two tall ovals in the lower middle of the head, one on each side. Inside each eye, add a smaller oval and leave the center open for highlights and expression later. A short curved line under each eye helps the face feel gentle.

Pro Tip: Leave about one eye-width between the eyes for balance.

[Alt Text: Cardinal outline with two large oval eyes added inside the head area, showing inner oval details for future pupils.]

Step 3: Draw the Cardinal’s Beak in the Center

Add a small, rounded triangle below and between the eyes for the upper beak, with the point aiming slightly to the right. Attach a curved shape underneath for the lower beak, then add a short line to separate the two parts like an open smile. Leaving a tiny gap at the corner makes the expression softer.

Pro Tip: Keep the beak short, about half an eye’s width.

[Alt Text: Cardinal head sketch with big eyes and a rounded, slightly open beak added between them.]

Step 4: Extend the Body and Add the Wing Shape

Pull the body outline downward so it becomes a bigger, rounder shape, then use a long curve to form the belly. Add a leaf-like wing on the left side, starting under the cheek and curving down along the body. On the right side, draw a slanted curve to hint at the back so the bird feels turned slightly.

Pro Tip: Keep the wing edge as one smooth curve, not a sharp corner.

[Alt Text: Cardinal sketch with a rounded belly line added, plus a simple leaf-shaped wing on the left side and a back curve on the right.]

Step 5: Add the Second Wing and Feather Edges

On the right side of the body, draw a curved outline that sweeps back to form the wing. Along the bottom, add two or three small rounded bumps to show layered feathers. Let the wing tip reach slightly backward so the cardinal feels lively.

Pro Tip: Keep the feather bumps similar in size for a neat look.

[Alt Text: Cute cardinal sketch with a second wing added on the right side, showing rounded feather bumps along the wing edge.]

Step 6: Add the Face Patch, Tail, and Little Feet

Draw a large curved outline on the face, starting near the forehead, looping around the right eye, and sweeping back toward the beak area. Then add three long, rounded tail feathers at the back, fanning outward. Finish with two short legs under the belly and simple three-toed feet resting on the ground.

Pro Tip: Keep the tail feathers similar in length, with the middle one slightly longer.

[Alt Text: Cute cardinal drawing with a curved face patch outline, three rounded tail feathers, and two short legs with three-toed feet added.]

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

• Male cardinals are bright red, while females are softer tan with red accents.
• Cardinals have strong, cone-shaped beaks for cracking seeds.
• You can often spot cardinals in winter because their color stands out.

Pin it now, Draw later!

Now you have a complete step by step drawing of a cardinal with a crest, big eyes, wings, tail feathers, and tiny feet. If you want to color it, try a rich red for the body, an orange-red beak, and a darker face patch. Add gentle shading under the wing and along the belly curve to help the bird look round.

One common beginner mistake is making the beak too long, which can change the cardinal’s cute look. Keep the beak short and rounded, and your drawing will stay friendly.

Practice this easy drawing tutorial a few times, and try changing the tail fan or the eye shape next time. When you feel ready, draw another bird using the same simple shapes.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Cardinal Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the cardinal look more like a real bird?

Make the eyes slightly smaller and add a smoother curve to the face patch and wing.

What if my wings look uneven?

Lightly sketch the wing curves first, then trace the smoother line with your marker.

How do I color a cardinal without streaks?

Color in small circles, layer lightly, and darken shadows slowly near the wing and belly.