American Eagle Facts for Kids
June 20 is American Eagle Day, a special occasion to celebrate and learn about the majestic bird that symbolizes the United States. American eagles, also known as bald eagles, have fascinating characteristics that make them unique and awe-inspiring. Discover interesting American eagle facts for kids and engage in fun activities related to American eagles. You can check out all of the Fact of the Day for Kids here.
TEN FUN FACTS ABOUT AMERICAN EAGLES
- American eagles are also called bald eagles, but they are not really bald. The term “bald” comes from an old English word meaning “white-headed.”
- Bald eagles can fly up to 30 miles per hour and dive at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.
- They have a wingspan that can reach up to 8 feet, making them one of the largest birds in North America.
- American eagles build some of the largest bird nests, which can be as wide as 9 feet and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
- These eagles primarily eat fish, but they will also hunt small mammals and scavenge for food.
- Bald eagles are known for their incredible eyesight, which is about four times sharper than that of a human.
- They can live up to 20-30 years in the wild.
- Bald eagles were once endangered but have made a significant recovery thanks to conservation efforts.
- The bald eagle became the national bird of the United States in 1782.
- Both male and female bald eagles take turns incubating their eggs and caring for their young.
ACTIVITY IDEAS TO CELEBRATE AMERICAN EAGLE DAY
Celebrate American Eagle Day with fun and educational activities in the classroom or school. Here are some ideas:
- Color or paint the Eagle Coloring Pages.
- Create eagle masks or hats using paper plates and craft supplies.
- Watch a documentary about bald eagles and discuss what you’ve learned.
- Draw and color pictures of bald eagles in their natural habitat.
- Write a short story or poem about an American eagle’s adventures.
- Organize a scavenger hunt with eagle-related clues and facts.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT – AMERICAN EAGLE FACTS FOR KIDS
Here are some thought-provoking questions to help you explore more about American eagles:
- Why do you think the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird of the United States?
- How do conservation efforts help protect bald eagles and their habitats?
- What adaptations do bald eagles have that make them excellent hunters?
- How does the bald eagle’s diet affect its ecosystem?
- What can we learn from the recovery of the bald eagle population?
WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS ABOUT AMERICAN EAGLES
Here are five questions to spark conversation. Would you rather…
- Fly like an eagle or swim like a fish?
- Have the eyesight of an eagle or the hearing of an owl?
- Build a nest high in the trees or live in a cave?
- Be able to dive at high speeds like an eagle or run fast like a cheetah?
- Care for eagle chicks or take care of a litter of puppies?
MORE FUN STUFF
Here are more fun ideas to help keep the kids entertained: