Ever wanted to draw a bird that looks like it came straight out of a rainbow? Then this tutorial is perfect for you!
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to draw a toucan — from its large curved beak to its smooth feathers, full of life, color, and tropical vibes.
How to Draw a Toucan – A Step by Step Guide
1. How to Draw a Toucan for Kids Easy
Step 1: Start by drawing a large curved shape similar to a long, rounded triangle with a curved top.
The bottom line should be slightly curved downward, and the back of the beak should be a vertical curve.
This will form the upper beak of the toucan.
Step 2: Inside the beak, draw another smaller curved shape near the right side — this represents the lower beak.
Next, draw a small oval or circle close to the back of the beak to outline the eye patch where the eye will be.
Step 3: From the top of the beak, draw a long curved line that goes upward and then bends down into a wide “C” shape to form the head and back of the bird.
The bottom part of the “C” should stop before it closes completely — this will be the belly area.
Step 4: Inside the open body shape, draw a large curved line starting from the neck area and going downward.
At the bottom, shape it into a wide, rounded end with four small bumps to create the wing feathers.
This wing should look like it’s slightly hanging down.
Step 5: Beneath the body, draw two small, simple feet.
Each foot has three rounded toes pointing forward, connected by short lines.
The feet should sit just under the belly, giving the toucan a balanced look.
Step 6: Inside the eye patch, draw a small circle for the eye, and add a darker dot inside it for the pupil.
Draw two curved lines on the belly to suggest feather markings.
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2. How to Draw a Toucan on a tree
Step 1: Make a long, curved shape that bends downward slightly near the tip.
Behind the beak, draw a rounded shape for the head. Then, add a small oval on the right side to mark where the wing will go.
Step 2: Extend two flowing lines downward from the head to form the long, curved neck.
Inside the neck, add another curved line showing the inner edge of the beak and the neck connection.
Then enlarge the wing shape into a fuller oval.
Now the toucan’s body is beginning to take form, but still very stylized and simple.
Step 3: Draw a straight horizontal branch just below the body.
Add a thick oval shape under the branch to form the toucan’s tail.
Place a rounded belly shape above the branch and refine the wing.
Now the toucan looks like it is sitting on the branch, with all major body parts outlined.
Step 4: Draw a large round eye near the top of the head, then add a pupil inside it.
Add a line along the beak to divide the upper and lower beak color areas.
Draw the toucan’s feet gripping the branch — small toes wrapped around the wood.
Add feather details on the body, curve lines on the beak, and refine the wing and tail shapes.
Step 5: Color the toucan using bright shades:
Beak: yellow, orange, or gradient shades
Head: green or light turquoise
Body & wings: purple or dark violet
Belly: bright yellow
Feet: yellow
Branch: brown
Add highlights to the eye and beak to make the drawing look lively and shiny.
3. How to Draw a Toucan Easy Step by Step
Step 1: Draw the toucan’s large beak first: a long curved shape that hooks slightly at the tip.
Add a round shape behind the beak for the head. Don’t worry about details yet — this is the basic silhouette.
Step 2: Under the head, sketch three overlapping rounded ovals for the torso and the two wing masses.
These simple blobs will help you place the legs and tail later.
Step 3: Draw a horizontal branch under the bird where the feet will sit.
Refine the body outline so it looks like a smooth oval attached to the head; refine the wing shapes into smoother feathered lumps.
Add the eye as a small circle near the front of the head.
Step 4: Sketch the toucan’s feet gripping the branch — short legs with three forward toes and one hind toe.
Add a simple belly patch and begin shaping the beak with an inner line to show upper/lower sections.
Step 5: Draw the tail feathers projecting down from behind the branch
Add feather edges and small details on the wings, the eye pupil, and refine the beak curve.
Step 6: Ink and color
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4. How to Draw a Toucan Realistic
Step 1: Begin by drawing simple shapes to guide the proportions:
Draw a medium-sized circle for the head.
Add a large oval just below and slightly overlapping the head for the body.
Draw two long, slightly curved lines extending from the head to outline the top and bottom of the beak.
These shapes form the foundation of the toucan.
Step 2: Refine the beak by connecting the two guiding lines smoothly to create a thick, long beak shape.
Draw a smaller circle inside the head for the eye area.
Add a curved line running from the head to the body to shape the neck.
Sketch two diagonal lines below the body to indicate the legs and branch.
Add a long shape behind the body forming the tail feathers.
Everything is still light and sketchy at this stage.
Step 3: Outline the wing using a rounded shape with soft feather bumps.
Add the other wing partly hidden behind the body.
Draw the feet wrapped around the branch, giving each foot four curved toes.
Add details to the beak, such as a separation line between the upper and lower parts.
Begin shaping the body using smooth curves instead of ovals.
Step 4: Finalize the shape of the head and neck by tracing over the guidelines.
Add feather details to the wings and tail using short, curved strokes.
Draw the branch more clearly beneath the feet.
Clean up unnecessary guidelines to prepare for outlining.
The toucan should now look complete in form.
Step 5: Trace the final lines using a darker pencil or pen.
Add texture to the wings and belly with small feather-like patterns.
Add shading around the beak, eye, and wings to give the toucan a more realistic appearance.
At this stage, the drawing looks fully outlined and ready for coloring.
Step 6: Use bright and contrasting colors:
Color the beak in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and black.
Fill the body with dark blue, navy, or black tones.
Use purple or dark red for the wing highlights.
Color the tail feathers black or dark violet.
Paint the eye area light blue, yellow, or white.
Shade the branch in brown tones.
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See? Drawing a toucan wasn’t hard at all!
With just a few simple shapes and colors, you’ve brought this rainforest beauty to life.
Now you can proudly say you know how to draw one of the most colorful birds in the world — the toucan!
Keep drawing and exploring the art world!
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