In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw an Umbrella Cockatoo in 10 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 Umbrella Cockatoo.
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How to Draw an Umbrella Cockatoo - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Let us start by drawing the outline of the large, fluffy crest and head of the Umbrella Cockatoo. Using small curved lines, draw the outline as if you are drawing a cloud.
Step 2: In the middle of the previous outline, draw a tiny circle for the eye and fill it in. Draw the two hook-shaped beaks using small curved lines.
Step 3: Draw a curved line and a few dashes as shown in the image for the outer line of the Cockatoo's right wing.
Step 4: Draw another curved line for the outer line of the Cockatoo's left wing.
Step 5: Draw the thin, right leg of the Umbrella Cockatoo using gently curved lines. At the end of the leg, draw the claws using small curved lines.
Step 6: Draw the left leg and claws of the Umbrella Cockatoo as shown in the previous step.
Step 7: To make it look like the Umbrella Cockatoo is sitting on a tree branch, draw two slightly wavy lines in the space between the bird’s claws.
Step 8: Draw a long V-shape below the legs and then continue it below the tree branch for the body of the Umbrella Cockatoo.
Step 9: To draw the Cockatoo's tail, draw two lines slanting away from its body. Draw the edge of the tail feathers using a gently wavy line.
Step 10: Draw small curved lines along the crest, wings, body and tail of the Umbrella Cockatoo to show its feather patterns. After you finish your drawing of the Umbrella Cockatoo, you can add shading to it.
Interesting Facts about the Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba):
The Umbrella Cockatoo is a medium-sized bird native to Indonesia, and also kept as a pet by people around the world. When fully grown, this species of cockatoo is about forty-six centimeters long. It has white feathers and a stout grey beak. The Umbrella Cockatoo has a huge, semi-circular crest on the top of its head that it will raise when it gets excited or interested in something.
Did you know?
- The Umbrella Cockatoo, when kept as a pet, will often bond deeply with its owner. It is even known for its cuddling, and can be taught to speak and perform a few tricks.
- Seeds alone are not enough to feed a pet Umbrella Cockatoo. They also need fresh vegetables, fruits and special pellet food in order to be healthy.
- A stressed-out Umbrella Cockatoo might pluck its own feathers out of its chest, or even bite itself.
- If a pet Umbrella Cockatoo starts sleeping on the bottom of its cage, it might be very sick; they usually like to perch up high to sleep.
- In the year 1229, an Umbrella Cockatoo was given as a gift between the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and the Sultan of Babylon.
The Umbrella Cockatoo is considered a “vulnerable” or endangered species. Trading of wild-caught birds, plus habitat loss are the two biggest reasons why the Umbrella Cockatoo is threatened with extinction in the wild. Even though there are laws and quotas protecting this magnificent bird, trappers still take the birds from the wild to smuggle and sell illegally.
How to Draw an Umbrella Cockatoo – Step-by-Step Tutorial