How to Make an Origami Flapping Bird with Paper

Impress your friends with this moving bird made with just a sheet of paper

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: December 10, 2024

While there are many instructions for making the traditional Japanese paper "peace" cranes, these instructions will make a flapping bird.

Steps

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Get a square piece of paper. To make your own square paper: fold one corner of a sheet of rectangular paper diagonally to form a triangle; then, cut the excess paper away. You can use any size paper, but origami paper and A4 paper are the best.
If you haven’t already, fold the square in half diagonally. Repeat in the other direction. Unfold the paper and you should see the X.

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Make sure the ever-so-slightly-raised center of the X points up (like the top of a very flat pyramid).
First both vertically and horizontally to form a + that intersects with the center of the X. When you’re done, the creases of the + will bend in the opposite direction as those of the X.
The shape is similar to the origami “fortune teller” (a.k.a. “cootie catcher”) used in children’s games.
Turn the paper, so that you have a diamond with the open end facing you.
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Fold the top edges of the diamond inwards toward the center line. Start by making sure the opening is at the top of the diamond.
- Grab the right-hand corner of the upper layer and fold it downwards and inwards toward the center, then repeat on the left-hand side.
- Flip the paper over and repeat on the other layer.
Flatten. Turn the paper over and repeat. You should end up with a kite shape.
Hold your new diamond shape with the split end up and fold each of the top points so that they point downward and outward to the sides.
Pull it down slightly, reverse its crease, and bend it downwards.
Pull them outwards away from the body and round them with your hands.
Pinch and pull the bird by the neck and tail.

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Question

I made the flapping bird, but it doesn't flap like how yours did, what should do?

Community Answer

Try playing with the wings, curling them different directions and moving it away from the tail. Fiddle with it until they flap.

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Question

Will it fly when you throw it?

Community Answer

No. It is mainly used for decoration.

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Question

Is the curling of wings optional? How does it affect the flapping?

Community Answer

Curling the wings simply makes it look more realistic. It will not affect the flapping.

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Tips

The thinner the piece of paper you are using the easier it will be to fold.

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Helpful 31 Not Helpful 8
Don't use thick paper or it might not work as well, as thin paper.

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The sharper and more precise your creases are, the easier your projects will become.

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