1Step 1 of 7
Draw the body
Start a little below the middle of your page, because the feathers need room above. Draw a big round body, a bit wider than it is tall. Press lightly so you can fix it later.
▶ Watch this stepHow to Draw a Cartoon Turkey
This cartoon turkey is made from two circles and a fan of round feathers. Watch each step being drawn in pencil, then copy it on your own paper. It is a perfect Thanksgiving drawing for kids from about age 5 and for adult beginners too.
7 easy steps 15 minutes Easy level Ages 5 and up
Copy the dark lines in each step. The grey lines are the parts you already drew.
How to draw a cartoon turkey, step by step
2Step 2 of 7
Add the head
On top of the body, draw a smaller circle for the head. Let the bottom of the head overlap the body a little, and erase the part of the body line inside the head.
▶ Watch this step
3Step 3 of 7
Draw the face
Draw two round eyes near the top of the head and color them dark, leaving a tiny white dot for the shine. Below them, draw a small triangle beak pointing down. Next to the beak, draw a long drop shape hanging down for the wattle.
▶ Watch this step
4Step 4 of 7
Draw the big tail feathers
Behind the body, draw seven long feathers with round tips. Start with one straight up behind the head, then add three on each side, fanning out lower and lower like a half circle.
▶ Watch this step
5Step 5 of 7
Add the small feathers
In front of the big feathers, draw six shorter feathers, one between each pair of big ones. This makes the tail look full and fluffy.
▶ Watch this step
6Step 6 of 7
Add the wings and feet
On each side of the body, draw a rounded wing shape. Add three small curved marks on the tummy for feathers. Under the body, draw two short legs with three toes on each foot.
▶ Watch this step
7Step 7 of 7
Color your turkey
Color the body and head brown and the wings light brown. Use red, orange and yellow for the feathers. Color the beak and feet orange and the wattle red. Keep the eyes dark.
▶ Watch this stepTips for a better cartoon turkey
1
Draw light first
Keep your first lines soft, then press harder once you like the shape.
2
Leave room at the top
The feathers go high above the head, so do not start the body too high on the page.
3
Start feathers in the middle
Draw the middle feather first, then work out to the sides so both sides match.
4
Mix the feather colors
Repeat red, orange and yellow in a pattern for a bright, happy tail.
5
Go over the final lines
Trace your drawing with a darker pencil or a black pen so it stands out after coloring.
6
Make a hand turkey too
Trace your hand on paper and turn the fingers into feathers for a quick bonus turkey.
Done? Now make it colourful
Colour your cartoon turkey in, or keep practising with more ideas to copy.
Questions people ask
Is this cartoon turkey easy enough for young kids?
Yes. Most children from about age 5 can follow it. For younger kids, skip the small feathers and the tummy marks.
How many feathers does a cartoon turkey have?
This lesson uses seven big feathers and six small ones. Any number looks good as long as they fan out evenly behind the body.
What colors do I need for a turkey?
Brown and light brown for the body, red, orange and yellow for the feathers, orange for the beak and feet, and red for the wattle.
Is this a good Thanksgiving activity?
Yes. It is a fun drawing for Thanksgiving at home or in class, and you can cut it out to use as a card or place card.
Can I print the steps?
Yes. Right click or long press any step picture to save it, then print it and keep it next to you while you draw.
