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How to Make an Easy Origami Bird [Step-by-Step Instructions]

origami bird
Updated on 02/12/24

These instructions will help you learn how to fold an easy origami bird, step-by-step.

This tutorial is not too hard for beginners and will take about 5-8 minutes to complete.

Once completed, the bird can stand on its own, and it can be fun to decorate it how you like.

This design looks like a parrot, but we also have many more bird designs that can be found in the origami birds collection.

Let’s Make an Easy Origami Bird! [TUTORIAL]

In this guide, we use one sheet of square origami paper that is white on one side and blue on the other.

However, any square sheet of paper will work just fine.

STEP 1. Fold the paper in half from point to point

origami bird fold 01

Fold the paper in half to get a crease and then unfold it flat again.

STEP 2. Fold both bottom edges to the center crease

origami bird fold 02

Bring those bottom edges to match the center and crease these folds as even as possible.

At this point, we should have what is known as the origami kite base.

STEP 3. Flip over and fold the top tip down

origami bird fold 03

After flipping the paper over to the flat side, fold the top point down.

We are just folding down the single sheet part that is white.

STEP 4. Flip over and fold the top edges to the center

origami bird fold 4

Once you have flipped the paper back over, fold the top edges to meet the vertical centerline.

STEP 5. Unfold the right side completely

origami bird fold 5

Unfold the right side of the paper.

We will leave the left side alone for now as a guide for the next step.

STEP 6. Bring the middle edge down to meet the centerline

origami bird fold 6

Bring the top middle edge to match the vertical center but don’t crease anything down yet.

STEP 7. Fold the lower point of the flap to match the top

origami bird fold 7

While holding down what you folded in the last step, grab the lower point of the top flap.

You can just fold everything flat to match the diamond shape as you bring it to the top point.

STEP 8. Repeat the folding process for the left side

origami bird fold 8

Repeat steps 5-8 on the left side to match the right side symmetrically.

STEP 9. Fold the upper flap points down naturally

origami bird fold 9

Fold the upper flaps down, and the creases made in steps 7-8 will guide these points down on an angle.

Press them down to crease them once everything is nice and even.

STEP 10. Fold the bird’s foot up at a slight angle

origami bird fold 10

This fold doesn’t have to be exactly like the picture; we are just making one foot to match the other to it later.

STEP 11. Fold the bird over and match the other foot fold

origami bird fold 11

After folding the bird back over, you can easily match up the feet to get them even.

STEP 12. Shape the head and beak

origami bird fold 12

On the bird’s right side, bend the top tip down and to the right.

The crease will be at an angle, as you can see, but the edge bottom edge of this fold will be horizontal.

STEP 13. Open the bird and reverse fold the beak

origami bird fold 13

Open the bird and reverse fold it inside the two halves and downward using the creases just made.

STEP 14. Shape the tail with two folds

origami bird fold 14

Bring the bottom tail point along the back edge to the back of the head to make the first crease.

Next, fold that tip back down over about a half-inch section.

STEP 15. Repeat these folds in the center of the bird

origami bird fold 15

We can basically repeat the folds from the last step after unfolding the bird on its back and flat, minus the feet.

Bring the tail point along the center to the back of the head mark and then back down using the creases previously made.

STEP 16. Fold the two half back together to finish

origami bird fold 16

Complete the origami bird by folding the two outer edges together.

The bird can stand on its own but may need some adjustments on the feet to help it.

origami bird complete

Now you know how to make an origami bird!

Want to fold another simple project like this one? Check out our easy origami swan or origami chicken instructions for more fun and traditional folding guides.

Happy Folding!