In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Crossbill 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 Crossbill.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Crossbill - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: First, draw the small head and beak, complete with the eye and details of the beak.
Step 2: Second, draw the body. The front of the body will be an outward curved line, whereas the back will be more flat.
Step 3: Draw the wing, extending outward from the side.
Step 4: At the bottom of the bird, draw two short legs with thin feet.
Step 5: At the end of the crossbill's body, draw two tail feathers.
Step 6: Add some feather detailing onto the wing and now you are finished.
Interesting Facts about the Crossbill
Crossbills are a type of finch that live in coniferous forests. It is dependent on pine cone seeds – which are its main source of food. Their unique bill allows them to gain access to the seeds. Crossbills only breed when they find an area that is extremely abundant with pine cones. The biting muscles in its jaw are stronger than those used to actually open its bill.
Did you know?
- The oldest Crossbill was a male – eight years old
- Crossbills breed throughout the year
- Every one hundred ten day they moult
- They spend 25% of the year in the United States
- They are listed as a “Least Concern” species
Lesson Plan Idea – Bring pinecones into class and have children use their imagination to try and get the seeds out. Discuss how the Crossbill’s bill is unique that it does this. Possibly have a video showing how they do this.
How to Draw a Crossbill – Step-by-Step Tutorial