Learn how to draw a cartoon vulture with a hooked beak and fluffy neck ruff. This easy drawing tutorial helps beginners practice bird anatomy, layered feathers, and expressive eyes.
What You Will Need
- Drawing paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Black marker or colored pencils
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- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
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Time needed:
13 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Draw the Eyes and Beak
Draw two large circular eyes with curved highlights, making the farther eye slightly smaller. Add a broad beak that bends down into a sharp hook.
Pro Tip: Overlap the nearer eye with the beak to show the three-quarter view.
Step 2: Add the Head and Neck
Curve a smooth bald head around the eyes and connect it to a long narrow neck. Add two eyebrows and a small nostril on the beak.
Pro Tip: Leave the bottom of the neck open for the feather ruff.
Step 3: Draw the Neck Ruff
Surround the base of the neck with a wide ring of pointed feather tufts. Vary the lengths of the zigzag tips for a fluffy look.
Pro Tip: Let the ruff overlap the neck edges instead of placing it below them.
Step 4: Form the Body and Wing
Draw a large rounded body beneath the ruff. Add one long folded wing on the right with two short feather lines near its tip.
Pro Tip: Taper the wing toward the back to create a clean feather shape.
Step 5: Add the Legs and Tail
Draw two short feathered legs below the body with jagged lower edges. Add several long pointed tail feathers extending behind the wing.
Pro Tip: Keep the tail angled backward in the same direction as the wing.
Step 6: Finish the Feet
Extend a short ankle from each leg and draw three broad toes on each foot. Curve the toes outward so the bird stands securely.
Pro Tip: Spread the toes across one ground line to balance the tall body.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Vultures help ecosystems by cleaning up animal remains.
- Their hooked beaks are useful for tearing food.
- Many vultures have bare heads that are easier to keep clean.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Erase hidden guides, darken the final outline, and add natural browns, blacks, and warm head colors. Your cartoon vulture is complete, so try placing it on a rock or under a wide sky.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Cartoon Vulture Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the beak look hooked?
Curve the top edge downward strongly and finish the tip below the lower edge.
How do I draw the fluffy ruff?
Build it from overlapping pointed tufts of different sizes around the neck.
Why does the bird look like it is tipping over?
Center the feet beneath the body and spread the toes widely along the ground.
