Please PAUSE the "How to Draw a Blue Jay" video after each step to draw at your own pace.

For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin.

Step 1: Draw a circle as a guide for the top part of the cardinal's body. The circle doesn't have to be perfect. It's just a guide. Leave enough room on the top right for the cardinal's head and on the lower left for the bird's tail.

Step 2: Draw an arc on the lower left side of the circle as a guide for the second part of the bird's body. Don't make the arc too tall. The resulting shape should be similar to a circle.

Step 3: Draw another circle on the top right side of the cardinal's body as a guide for the head. This circle should be about half the size of the first one. The edges of the two circles should touch.

Step 4: Inside the small circle, draw two intersecting lines. These lines will help you place the facial cardinal's features later on.

Step 5: Draw a small triangle-like shape on the right side of the cardinal's head as a guide for the bird's beak.