Learn how to draw pelican with this calm step by step drawing guide. This easy drawing tutorial uses simple curves, rounded shapes, and clear details. Take your time with each step, and your pelican will look cute and friendly.

What You Will Need

• Pencil
• Eraser
• Black marker or pen
• Drawing paper
• Coloring tools, such as crayons or colored pencils

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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:

16 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Draw the Head Outline and Eyes

Start with a rounded head outline for the pelican, leaving the bottom open. Add two large oval eyes inside, with small curved highlights to make them lively. Draw a few short feather points on top of the head.

Pro Tip: Keep both eyes at the same height so the little pelican looks balanced.

[Alt Text: A pelican drawing begins with a rounded head sketch, two large eyes, and small feather points on top.]

Step 2: Add the Big Beak and Eyebrows

Under the eyes, draw the pelican’s wide beak with a soft wavy top edge. Bring the lines downward into a rounded throat pouch, then add two short nostril marks near the center. Finish with a small curved eyebrow above each eye.

Pro Tip: Keep both side curves of the beak nearly even so the throat pouch looks natural.

[Alt Text: A pelican drawing progresses from the head sketch to include a large rounded beak, throat pouch, nostrils, and small eyebrows.]

Step 3: Draw the Left Body Line

Start from the lower left side of the head and draw one long outward curve. Let the line bend downward to form the pelican’s rounded body side, then gently turn it back inward. Add a short inner curve near the bottom to suggest the lower body shape.

Pro Tip: Make the body curve longer and wider than the head so the pelican’s pose feels stable.

[Alt Text: A pelican drawing progresses from the head and beak to include a long curved left body outline.]

Step 4: Add the Right Wing

From the lower right side of the beak, draw a long outward curve for the wing edge. Bring the line down into pointed feather tips, then add a few short curved lines for layered feathers. Let the bottom of the wing sit close to the body with a soft rounded shape.

Pro Tip: Make the right wing a little smaller than the left body curve for a playful look.

[Alt Text: A pelican drawing progresses to add a right wing with curved feather tips beside the body.]

Step 5: Complete the Round Body and Toes

Continue the inner left body line downward into a large curve to form the round belly. Stretch the line across the bottom toward the wing, then add several small curved bumps for the toes. This gives the pelican a complete, steady sitting shape.

Pro Tip: Draw the bottom curve wide enough to support the pelican’s big beak and body.

[Alt Text: A pelican drawing progresses to complete the rounded body with a wide belly curve and small toes underneath.]

Step 6: Add Both Feet

Draw two short legs under the body, placing one on each side. Use wide curved lines to form three rounded toes on each foot, helping the pelican stand firmly. Let the toes spread outward while keeping the shapes soft and cute.

Pro Tip: Place both feet near the lower sides of the body so they do not spread too far apart.

[Alt Text: A pelican drawing progresses to add two short legs and wide rounded feet beneath the body.]

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

Pelicans are known for their large beaks and stretchy throat pouches. They use the pouch to scoop up fish and water. Their strong wings also help them glide smoothly over the sea.

Pin it now, Draw later!

Now your pelican drawing is complete. Trace the final lines with a marker, then erase any extra pencil marks. Add soft colors to the beak, feet, body, and eyes to finish your drawing for beginners.

Try this step by step drawing again to make a smaller baby pelican or a whole pelican family.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Pelican Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pelican drawing good for beginners?

Yes, this easy drawing tutorial is designed for beginners. It uses rounded lines, simple shapes, and small details.

How can I make my pelican look cuter?

Make the eyes large, keep the body round, and draw the feet with soft curved toes. Small eyebrows can also add a gentle expression.

What colors should I use for a pelican?

You can use white or light gray for the body, orange for the beak and feet, and black for the eyes. Soft shading can make the pelican look more finished.