How to Make an Origami Flapping Bird

Crane origami final step
Difficulty: Intermediate
Our step-by-step guide with clear pictures shows you how to easily fold an origami flapping bird.

The origami flapping bird resembles the popular crane that is the poster child of origami. However, this paper bird is different because it can actually flap on command, like a toy. If you hold it where you’re supposed to and pull the tail correctly, you’ll see this paper bird come alive. It’s really cool to see it actually flap. I’m amazed each and every time.

You may think the origami flapping bird is hard to make, but it’s actually easier than the crane. The most difficult part may be positioning the wings, and holding it right and pulling the tail correctly to make it flap. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to do it.

Step 1
Crane origami step 1
1
Start with a square piece of origami paper. I am using an 7×7 inches origami paper.

If you only have regular paper, follow these instructions on how to make a square origami paper.

Step 2
Crane origami step 02
2
Rotate the paper diagonally. If you are using two color sided origami paper then face the lighter side upwards.

Step 3
Crane origami step 03
3
Fold the paper in half by taking the top corner and folding it over to the bottom corner.

Step 4
Crane origami step 04
4
Once again, fold the paper in half by taking the left corner and folding it to the right.

Step 5
Crane origami step 05
5
Take the top flap and open it.

Step 6
Crane origami step 06
6
Crease the left and right sides so you can fold the the top corner to the bottom corner.

Step 7
Crane origami step 07
7
Flatten the fold well.

Step 8
Crane origami step 08
8
Flip the paper over.

Step 9
Crane origami step 09
9
Lift the left flap up so it stands vertically.

Step 10
Crane origami step 10
10
Repeat step 7 on this side too.

Step 11
Crane origami step 11
11
Fold the left corner from the bottom to meet at the middle.

Step 12
Crane origami step 12
12
Fold the right corner from the bottom to meet at the middle.

Step 13
Crane origami step 13
13
Fold the top triangle down.

Step 14
Crane origami step 14
14
Now unfold the triangle back up along with the left and right flaps.

Step 15
Crane origami step 15
15
Take the bottom of the top layer.

Step 16
Crane origami step 16
16
Open the flap up all the way. Using the creases as guides, fold the left and right sides in to the center.

Step 17
Crane origami step 17
17
Flatten the fold well.

Step 18
Crane origami step 18
18
Turn the figure over.

Step 19
Crane origami step 19
19
Repeat the same thing on this side too.

Step 20
Crane origami step 20
20
Take the top layer from the right side and fold it over to the left.

Step 21
Crane origami step 21
21
Turn the figure over.

Step 22
Crane origami step 22
22
Fold the right flap over to the left and you should have this shape.

Step 23
Crane origami step 23
23
Take the bottom corner of the top layer and fold it up.

Step 24
Crane origami step 24
24
Turn the figure over.

Step 25
Crane origami step 25
25
Take the bottom corner of the top layer and fold it up.

Step 26
Crane origami step 26
26
Take the two wedges inside and pull them out then crease the base below so the wedges will stay in that position.

Step 27
Crane origami step 27
27
Take the left wedge and open it slightly so you can bend a portion of it down to form the head.

Step 28
Crane origami step 28
28
Hold the chest of the bird including a little bit of the wing, and fold the rest of the wing down.

Step 29
Crane origami step 29
29
Flip the model over.

Step 30
Crane origami step 30
30
Repeat the step 26 on this side too.

Step 31
Crane origami final step
31
Once the wing can remain in that position, pull the tail and the bird will come alive!

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