In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw an American Coot in 8 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 American Coot.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw an American Coot - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: First draw the head. Draw an upside-down hook on a slight angle. Make the short hook line on the top. At the top of the hook curve make a beak pointing down.
Step 2: Next draw two round dots near the top of the head to make the eyes. There are short lines along the beak.
Step 3: Now draw the body. Start at the end of the top head line draw a long curved line up and to the left. From the bottom of the head line draw another curved line back to the left and curve it up slightly at the end. This is the belly line.
Step 4: From the end of the belly line draw a short curved line down, then hook it sharply back up and around to the right.
Step 5: Continue drawing the two body lines together to make the tail. The tip of the tail is not pointy but squarish.
Step 6: Starting at the very bottom of the belly line draw the two leg lines down. At the foot draw three very long pointy toes to the right. There is a very short toe that points to the left.
Step 7: Just to the right of the leg draw another leg. This leg is much shorter. Draw another three long toes pointed to the right. Draw another short toe pointed to the left.
Step 8: Finally, draw the feather patterns. There are squiggly "U"s along the back and tail. Don't forget a squiggly line along the belly line.
Interesting Facts about the AMERICAN COOT
The American Coot is a member of the bird group and the scientific term for them is Fulica americana. Other common names for this species are the Mud Hen and Water Hen. The bird is black and round, with a short white beak, inhabiting North American wetlands. It has very unique feet that have the dexterity to walk on slippery wet mud.
Did you know?
- This animal was first documented in 1789.
- Their body is almost 1.5 feet long.
- The wingspan is more than 2 feet wide.
- They have a long courtship but sexual intercourse takes less than 2 seconds.
- This bird weighs almost 2 pounds.
- They can live up to over 22 years old.
- This creature makes up more than 80 percent of the diet for some Bald Eagles.
This animal engages in brood parasitism, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, so that they can populate faster. When the mother feeds the babies, she gives more attention to the ones with the brighter colors. This animal is the mascot of the Toledo Mud Hens Minor League Baseball team. They are a traditional ingredient in Cajun Cuisine. These animals have a low population amount, but are considered to be the least concern for the possibility of extinction.
How to Draw an American Coot – Step-by-Step Tutorial