How to Make an Origami Flapping Bird

Category: Origami Animals, Origami Birds

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

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

Rotate the paper diagonally. If you are using two color sided origami paper then face the lighter side upwards.

Step 3

Fold the paper in half by taking the top corner and folding it over to the bottom corner.

Step 4

Once again, fold the paper in half by taking the left corner and folding it to the right.

Step 5

Take the top flap and open it.

Step 6

Crease the left and right sides so you can fold the the top corner to the bottom corner.

Step 7

Flatten the fold well.

Step 8

Flip the paper over.

Step 9

Lift the left flap up so it stands vertically.

Step 10

Repeat step 7 on this side too.

Step 11

Fold the left corner from the bottom to meet at the middle.

Step 12

Fold the right corner from the bottom to meet at the middle.

Step 13

Fold the top triangle down.

Step 14

Now unfold the triangle back up along with the left and right flaps.

Step 15

Take the bottom of the top layer.

Step 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

Flatten the fold well.

Step 18

Turn the figure over.

Step 19

Repeat the same thing on this side too.

Step 20

Take the top layer from the right side and fold it over to the left.

Step 21

Turn the figure over.

Step 22

Fold the right flap over to the left and you should have this shape.

Step 23

Take the bottom corner of the top layer and fold it up.

Step 24

Turn the figure over.

Step 25

Take the bottom corner of the top layer and fold it up.

Step 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

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

Step 28

Hold the chest of the bird including a little bit of the wing, and fold the rest of the wing down.

Step 29

Flip the model over.

Step 30

Repeat the step 26 on this side too.

Step 31

Once the wing can remain in that position, pull the tail and the bird will come alive!

How to Make an Origami Flapping Bird

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