If you’re looking for a fun bird craft that’s perfect for spring or any time of year, this bird’s nest paper plate craft is such a cute idea to try with kids. It’s especially fun for teaching about baby birds and the life cycle of birds, and it’s a perfect way to sneak in some learning while having a lot of fun with your little ones.
Plus, this project uses simple craft supplies you probably already have on hand!
Materials
- Paper plates
- Scissors
- Blue and brown paint
- Paint brushes
- Double-sided tape and/or glue
- Colored paper (green, black, red, yellow, brown)
- Popsicle stick
Instructions
Step 1)
Gather your supplies, protect your surfaces from paint, then paint one paper plate blue to create the background for your bird scene.
Step 2)
Cut a second paper plate in half and use brown paint to paint one of the halves to look like a bird’s nest.
Step 3)
Once dry, attach the brown half to the bottom of the blue plate with glue or double-sided tape—leave a space at the bottom so the popsicle stick bird can slide in and out of the nest.
Step 4)
Cut some leaf shapes from green paper and glue them inside or around the nest for a bit of nature-inspired detail.
Step 5)
Cut out the template pieces (see below), trace them onto colored paper, and cut them out again. Trace your hand on brown paper and cut it out to make the bird’s wings using your handprint.
Step 6)
Glue the template pieces together to form the bird’s head.
Step 7)
Glue the brown handprint to the red body of the bird, then attach the head.
Step 8)
Glue or tape a popsicle stick to the back of your bird to create a puppet. Slide the stick into the nest opening so your bird can pop in and out—just like a baby bird peeking from its home!
Video Instructions
Prefer video instructions for your crafts? Subscribe to Crafty Kids Play YouTube channel and watch the full video tutorial for this paper plate bird craft here.
Bird Craft Template Download
Ready to make your own bird nest? Grab our printable bird craft template; it’s perfect for home use or the classroom. This template makes it easier to assemble your bird puppet and adds to the fun bird craft experience for everyone.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Let little hands go wild with creativity. Add googly eyes, use tissue paper for texture, or try craft foam egg shapes for extra flair.
- Swap out the red and brown to make a blue bird instead of a robin.
- Always use adult supervision for young children, especially if you’re using hot glue or sharp scissors.
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this project is all about creativity and fun!
Benefits of This Bird Craft For Kids
Fine Motor Skills
This fun craft is a great way for younger children to practice their fine motor skills. From cutting paper to painting and gluing, little hands get plenty of hands-on movement that helps improve coordination and control.
Creativity and Imagination
One of the best ways to inspire creativity in kids is through art. With this project, children can choose colors, add extra details like googly eyes or tissue paper feathers, and even experiment with different bird types—like making a bluebird instead of a robin!
Learning About the Life Cycle of Birds
This bird’s nest paper plate craft is a perfect way to introduce the life cycle of birds. Kids can learn about baby birds, how nests are made, and how birds grow—all while having so much fun making their own little bird pop out of a nest.
Adaptable for All Ages
Whether you’re working with toddlers, kindergartners, or early elementary students, this fun craft can be adapted for kids of any age. Younger children can get help from an adult, while older kids can add more detail and complexity to their designs.
Simple Setup with Big Learning Potential
Made with simple craft supplies you likely already have at home or in the classroom, this bird craft encourages learning through play. It’s a great way to combine art with nature and science discussions.
Final Thoughts
This paper plate bird nest craft adds a playful, interactive touch to your lineup of craft activities. Whether you’re learning about birds, springtime, or just looking for more paper plate crafts, this one is sure to be a hit! Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more fun activities for kids of any age!
