Lookin pretty good so far. A couple things I might suggest.

Draw the entire thing(at least sketch it) before you start. I'm prolly being hypocritical, but you'll be much better off.

It looks flat, for a couple of reasons. One, because in places like the head where you've added an extra line next to the outline. I know it's probably an AA atempt, but it's not right. Next, your lighting very flat. Use your shading and highlights not just to show where the light source is, but to show the shape of things. Everything is made up of shapes, and every shape has it's own highlights and shadows. Try studying shadows in other peoples art or even in real life.

Also, as dithering obsessed as I am, I suggest you try to avoid it in most places. I think your piece would benefit greatly from a nice texture, one that looks like feathers, like on the wing. Just draw a bunch of separate highlights and shadows(like what i said above).

Contrast is something you should consider. Contrast in your colors, they are too close together. I have a very contrasted screen, and I still have trouble making out the different colors.

Don't forget to get rid of that black line on the wing.

I hope you read this, and try to benefit from it. Try your best, and if you still don't understand some of it, I'll try to help some more.

Peace
-Skedds