How to Fold an Origami Flapping Bird

Step 1

Start with the patterned side of the paper facing up, fold it in half diagonally, and unfold it.

If you don’t have patterned paper, then use the paper with different colors on each side, and start with the side that has the color you want to show facing up.

Step 2

Fold it in half diagonally from the other side, crease it well then unfold.

Step 3

Flip the paper over.

Step 4

Fold it in half horizontally, getting a crease then unfold it.

Step 5

Fold it in half vertically, crease it well, and unfold.

Step 6

Rotate 45 degrees clockwise.

Step 7

Now we are going to make a square base.

Use both hands to press the left and right points. Then push them down to make them meet the bottom point.

Flatten the fold to finish.

Step 8

Fold the bottom left and right edges to align with the vertical crease (the top layer only), crease them well then unfold.

Step 9

Fold the top corner down along the dotted line, leaving a crease, and unfold.

Step 10

Lift up the top layer of the paper. Then push the right and left points with your fingers to flatten the fold. All the creases you will need are existing.

Step 11

Flip the paper over.

Step 12

Fold the bottom left and right edges to align with the middle vertical crease, crease them well then unfold.

Step 13

Repeat step 10, lift the top layer, and push the left and right points to flatten the fold.

Step 14

Fold the bottom right flap to the top right, and unfold.

Repeat this for the bottom left flap, fold it to the top left then unfold it.

Step 15

Flip the paper over vertically, and view it from the right side. Slightly open the opening as the second picture shows. Fold the right corner to the left, and shape the creases on both sides you made in the previous step. Push this corner inwards, tucking it between the two layers of paper.

Step 16

Repeat this for the left side.

Flip it over vertically, open it, fold the left corner to the right, and shape the creases on both sides. Then tuck it between the two layers.

Step 17

Fold the right tip down a little, then unfold it.

Step 18

View it from the top, press down the tip, and shape the creases on both sides. Push this corner inward and tuck it between the two layers.

Finally, flatten the fold, getting the head of the bird.

Step 19

Take the top corner of the top layer, and fold it down along the dotted line, creating one of the flapping wings.

Step 20

Flip the paper over.

Step 21

Similarly, fold the top corner down along the dotted line, making sure to overlap with another flapping wing you made in step 19.

What’s Next

That’s your lovely flapping bird, if you are interested in origami birds, now you can check our other bird ideas, they are easy to make, and all are adorable. Enjoy folding!