Popular across many cultures, the eagle is no stranger in the men’s tattoo world. Wear an eagle tattoo like a badge of honor to help show off your freedom, patriotism, strength, nobility, and courage.
Often the main focus of a chest or back piece, eagles make a bold statement. Similarly, eagles drape effortlessly across a shoulder for a robust half sleeve that can easily stand on its own. No area of the body is off-limits to an eagle tattoo; get ready to turn heads whether you opt for an elaborate side piece or a detached emblem on your leg.
1. MEXICAN EAGLE TATTOO
The Mexican coat of arms contains an eagle clutching a snake in its talons, perched on a cactus. This imagery is deeply-rooted in Aztec culture and represents the legend of an Aztec chief who saw a vision of the eagle sent from the god Huitzilopochtli. Said vision led the people to establish a new and powerful city upon seeing the dream come to life. This tattoo will always be a classic and a great example of Mexican pride.
2. BALD EAGLE TATTOO
The Bald Eagle is one of the most famous symbols of patriotism in the USA, second only to the American flag. Bald Eagle tattoos indicate national pride, bravery, and freedom with deep roots in American idealism.
3. TRADITIONAL EAGLE TATTOO
A common sight among Sailor Jerry tattoo enthusiasts, iconic bald eagle American traditional tattoos are typically rendered in a two-dimensional view with vintage retro yellow, red, and brown coloring.
4. AMERICAN EAGLE TATTOO
Traditional American eagle tattoos often show the eagle in battle, talons stretched out, and wings flung back as if was ready to grasp or attack. This shape fits nicely on various areas of the body, especially the arms and legs. These tattoos are often combined with banners, snakes, globes, or feathers to represent the triumph of good over evil.
5. EAGLE FEATHER TATTOO
Eagles are deeply cherished in Indigenous cultures, and their feathers are equally coveted and esteemed. Receiving an eagle feather is a tremendous honor, and wearing this feather tattoo should also be a great source of pride.
6. POLISH EAGLE TATTOO
In folklore, Lech, the famed founder of Poland, saw one of these iconic raptors circle over him when he searched for a homeland. Thus, becoming Poland’s national bird, the White Eagle, is still deeply ingrained in Polish heritage representing good fortune and patriotism. While the eagle does not appear on the Polish flag, the white eagle is still an image of Polish pride.
7. EAGLE GLOBE AND ANCHOR TATTOO
This eagle tattoo is most popular among veterans or marines, as both images appear in the symbol for the US Marine Corps. You can put a more individualized spin on it by playing with the style of the emblem, perhaps making the elements more realistic or geometric.
8. SMALL EAGLE TATTOO
The latest trend of micro-realistic tattoos translates well for small eagle tattoos; you can now sport these tattoos in tighter spaces like behind the ear or on your wrist. Small eagle tattoos come across as more gentle, graceful, and noble.
9. AZTEC EAGLE TATTOO
Ancient Aztec warriors wore the eagle symbol with pride, drawing inner strength and courage. Outside of patriotic connotations, Aztec eagle tattoos are about an individual’s spiritual journey towards self-actualization.
10. EAGLE HEAD TATTOO
Simply showing the eagle’s head instead of its entire body in flight brings focus to the eagle’s eyes rather than the motion of the bird. The eagle has sharp focus and determination, representing solid vision and bravery.
