In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to draw a nightingale by starting with simple shapes and gradually adding details to create a graceful bird perched on a tree branch.

STEP 1: Draw the Basic Head, Body, and Tree Line

Mark the width and height of the drawing area, then draw two ovals—one for the nightingale’s head and one for its body. Add a center line on the head to guide the beak, and draw a smooth curved line to represent the tree branch.
Short tip:
Keep the ovals light and simple so proportions are easy to adjust.

STEP 2: Add the Neck and Body Guidelines

Draw the neck connecting the head and body, then add light guidelines to define the direction of the body and tail along the branch.
Short tip:
Use gentle curves to keep the bird’s posture natural.

STEP 3: Add Guidelines for Legs, Wings, and Mouth

Sketch light guide lines to show where the legs, wings, and mouth will be placed. This helps balance all features before detailing.
Short tip:
Guidelines should stay faint and loose.

STEP 4: Draw the Basic Shapes for Legs, Wings, and Beak

Begin shaping the legs gripping the branch, outline the wing shape, and draw the beak following the center guideline.
Short tip:
Keep shapes simple before adding fine details.

STEP 5: Add Wing Details, Eye, Toes, and Tail

Refine the wings with feather lines, draw the eye, define the toes around the branch, and shape the tail feathers.
Short tip:
Small details work best when added gradually.

STEP 6: Refine Feathers, Tongue, and Claws

Outline the feathers more clearly, add the tongue inside the open beak, and refine the claws gripping the branch.
Short tip:
Vary feather lines to add depth and texture.

STEP 7: Final Outline and Cleanup

Outline the nightingale using thick and thin dark lines, add extra details and the ground or branch texture, then erase all remaining guidelines.
Short tip:
Thicker outer lines make the drawing look clean and finished.