In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Capercaillie in 6 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Capercaillie.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Capercaillie - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: First, draw the beak of the Capercaillie using short, curved lines. Then, draw the outline of the head using sharp, wavy lines as shown in the image.
Step 2: For the eye, draw a small curved line and join its ends with another line. Extend the outline of the head downwards to form the neck of the bird. Continue to use slightly wavy lines to show the feathers along the bird’s body.
Step 3: Now let us draw the top part of the Capercaillie’s body using a curved line starting from the neck. Draw another curved line below it to form the lower part of the bird’s body.
Step 4: Draw the outline of the wing using two curved lines and join the ends in a point. Add the details of the feathers using wavy lines and slanting lines as shown in the image.
Step 5: Draw the fan-shaped outline of the tail using a bumpy, curved line. Draw straight lines in between each bump to show the outline of each tail feather. Use a sharp, wavy line to draw the back part of the bird’s body. Use small curved lines to show the raised feathers near the tail of the Capercaillie.
Step 6: To finish the drawing, draw the legs of the bird using slanting lines. Use jagged lines to show the four claws on each foot of the bird. After you complete your drawing, you can color it.
Interesting Facts about Capercaillies
Capercaillies are like chickens. They walk along the ground since they are two big to fly. They like living in old forests and eat leaves, berries, bugs, and pine needles. The Capercaillie measure 21 to 35 inches long with a wingspan of 34 to 49 inches. Their wings and chests are spotted. Their feathers range from dark gray to brown. They have wide feet to help them move better on the ground and there are feathers on their legs to keep them warm. Above each eye there is a patch of red skin in both male and female birds.
Did you know?
- The largest member of the grouse family.
- Capercaillies like to dance for their mates. If the female likes the dance she will pick the male as her partner.
- Capercaillies only move during the day. Once night comes they are snug in their roosts.
- A nest size is usually 5 to 12 eggs.
- The Capercaille has not been hunted in Scotland or Germany (legally) for 30 years!
Activity: A fun dance to teach kids is the “Chicken Dance.” Find a recording of the popular polka and let the kids cut loose!
How to Draw a Capercaillie – Step-by-Step Tutorial