Origami Flapping Bird

The origami flapping bird is another neat and fun action piece. It looks a bit like the origami crane, and they both start with the bird base.

However, they are different (the crane will not flap). The crane is of ancient Japanese origin, but the origin of the flapping bird is uncertain.

Start with the bird base, below left. Crease both lower "legs" of the bird base, in preparation for reverse folds.

bird base crease leg both legs creased

The next two photos show what the reverse fold looks like after completion.

We show the sequence in detail for the left "leg" of the bird base.

reverse fold reverse fold close-up starting reverse fold

Note how the folded leg is opened up, and the paper brought inwards and upwards.

reverse fold in progress more reverse fold reverse fold almost done

Here is the piece with both reverse folds completed, below left.

Now do a reverse fold to make the head of the bird.

Next start folding the wings downwards, one wing then the other.

reverse folds completed head and wing folded origami flapping bird completed

The bird is now complete.

Hold the tail with one hand, and the spot below the front of the wings with the other hand.

Move your hands back and forth rapidly (but gently, it's only paper!), this will cause the wings to flap.

There's a video with instructions on this page.

Enjoy your flapping bird!

how to make the origami bird flap