Cardboard Tube Bald Eagle

With Memorial Day right around the corner, now is a great time to talk to kids about America’s national bird, the Bald Eagle. Shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a committee was formed in order to choose the design for the national seal. However, all the committee members had different ideas, and not one of them included the bald eagle!

In fact, after Congress saw the committee’s proposed design of Lady Liberty holding a shield, they decided to consult with a Philadelphia artist by the name of William Barton. Mr. Barton produced a design that included the golden eagle. That bird however had been known to fly over European soil as well, so instead lawmakers decided that the American Bald Eagle was a better choice to represent their new nation.

The eagle was fierce looking, and because America was still raging war with England, lawmakers felt it was a fitting symbol. And so in June of 1782, the design that we recognize today was adopted by America.

Here are some fun facts about the American Bald Eagle:

• They aren’t really bald. This term used to mean “white headed”.
• Females and males look the same, unlike many other bird species where the male is brighter and more colorful.
• Females are generally 25 perfect larger than males.
• They are both the national bird and the national animal.
• Was removed from the endangered species list in June of 2007.
• Lives and nests along coastlines and near large bodies of water to feed on fish.
• The largest nest found (in Florida in 1963) and recorded measured 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep!
• Can fly as fast as 45 miles per hour and its diving speed can reach almost 100 miles per hour!
• They generally live about 20 years.
• Appears on most official seals of the U.S. government.

In order to make your own Bald Eagle, you will need:

• 4-inch cardboard tube
• Construction paper: brown, white and yellow
• 2 googly eyes
• 2 brown feathers
• Tools: tape, white craft glue, scissors

Cover the cardboard tube with brown construction paper.

Cut a strip of white paper (about 1 1/2″) and attach to the top of the cardboard tube.

Use tape to make sure all the seams are secure. Cut out a beak and feet from yellow paper and attach to the face and bottom of the tube (respectively). Glue on googly eyes and feathers.

For fun, you can add a paper bow tie, or make an American flag from paper and a toothpick to embellish your eagle.

Happy Memorial Day!

Project created by Amanda Formaro for Kix Cereal. Amanda is a well-known craft expert and has been writing and crafting on the Internet for over fifteen years. Find out more on her blog, Crafts by Amanda, where she shares tutorials with step-by-step photos for adults and kids alike.