In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Lammergeier in 9 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 Lammergeier.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Lammergeier - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Start with the head of the Lammergeier by making a small circle. Leave a small open space at the bottom.
Step 2: Next, draw to small ovals for the eyes, and a small, pointy beak underneath the eyes.
Step 3: For the body, draw a straight line down on the right side of the head, and a curved line on the left of the head.
Step 4: Now on to the left wing. Draw a shape similar to a square with round bumps at the bottom for the main part of the wing. Then, add long feathers at the end. The Lammergeier has long beautiful wings that help it soar through the air!
Step 5: Add the right wing as shown in the picture, making sure to keep the long feathers at the end.
Step 6: To draw the right leg, draw two lines down from the body, and make sharp talons at the bottom.
Step 7: Now, add the left leg similar to the right.
Step 8: To draw the tail feathers, make long feather shapes coming down around under the legs.
Step 9: Finally, draw straight lines throughout the bottom of the wings and tail to add the feather patterns. To color the Lammergeier, keep the head and body white and orange, and use black or dark brown for the wings.
Interesting Facts about Lammergeiers
Lammergeiers are often called “Old World Vultures” because they live in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The most common place to find them is Ethiopia. A vulture prefers to live on mountains and cliff sides. Lammergeiers are large birds that measure 37-49 inches long and have a wingspan of 8-9 feet. Lammergeiers aren’t bald like their America cousins, but have small agile heads that allow them to pick at their food. Although most vultures enjoy the meat of carcass for a meal, Lammergeiers enjoy the marrow of the bones. The animals have been watched as they carry bones high up into the air to crack them on stones. Not only are bones a common meal, but tortoises are dropped a lot to crack their shells and eat them. Smaller animals will be dropped the same way, this kills the prey so the Lammergeier can have dinner.
Did you know?
- Lammergeiers are more commonly called “Bearded Vultures” because of their thick necks and bristly hair under their chins.
- Lammergeiers are great fliers; they can glide for long distances on air currents without flapping their wings.
- They can digest a large bone in just a day! Their stomachs have a lot of acid and work quickly because of the bone marrow they eat.
- Lammeregiers have a beautiful mating display. They “dance” with each other while soaring and diving. Sometimes they lock talons together and drop together in flight.
- A nest of eggs is 1-2 eggs.
Activity: Since Lammergeiers drop their prey from tall heights, this subject would work well with an egg drop. Ask each student to think about what they think would protect an egg from cracking. Encourage them to bring styrofoam cups, fabric, newspapers, and modeling clay. When the students bring their supplies, give each child an egg. Take the class to various height locations around school (gym balcony, football field bleachers, and stair wells.) See how long it takes for each egg to crack. The last egg to crack or not crack wins the game.
How to Draw a Lammergeier – Step-By-Step Tutorial