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Easy Origami Birds With Directions

origami birds
Updated on 02/21/24

This guide presents a collection of traditional origami birds, many of which may be flapping around in the sky above you now.

Origami is actually way simpler than most think, and you can follow our step-by-step guides the entire way! All without the confusing diagrams. You will be left in awe by any of the incredible little creatures that you construct.

We have broken down each of the origami birds below into easy-to-follow instructions that people of any age or skill level can accomplish!

The models are also arranged according to skill level, from the effortless duck to the more challenging Crow. Just click on the bird you want to assemble, and you’ll be taken to our step-by-step tutorial.

This is also a growing collection, so be sure to subscribe to our email list below to be notified when we add more designs!

Let’s get folding!

Best Paper For Origami Birds

To create the best and cleanest origami birds, I recommend using the thinnest paper possible.

“Duo Kami” paper is a great choice for beginners and is very accessible. This is likely the type of origami paper that you are most used to with a vibrant color on one side and white on the other. I recommend Taro’s Origami Studio Kami pack.

Dedicated origami paper may improve your designs, but don’t let the need for fancy paper deter you from entering this amazing art. Cutting a regular piece of printer or craft paper into a square works just fine for the models on this list!

The Easy Duck

easy origami duck complete

The duck represents and celebrates “the conscious mind” or the spirit. It can be used to symbolize things such as love, clarity, intuition, and vigilance.

If you want to keep it as simple as possible, this not so ugly duckling is for you! The easy origami duck is a nine-step traditional design that can easily be completed within 3 to 5 minutes.

Check out our easy duck tutorial here!

The Swan

origami swan final

The swan embodies beautiful traits such as grace, love, trust, and beauty. It is a perfect gift to show someone love and loyalty.

This beginner fold is a traditional origami design and takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete.

Check out our easy swan tutorial here!

The Chicken

origami chicken complete

The chicken symbolizes prosperity and abundance. Fold a few of these paper chickens and bless yourself or another with the omen of good harvest—in whatever part of your life.

This cool little paper chicken is beginner-friendly and can be made in about 3 to 5 minutes fold.

Check out our easy swan tutorial here!

The Swallow

origami swallow complete

The swallow is a bird that flies away in the winter and returns in the fall. This can represent a fresh start or revival.

This traditional origami swallow is beginner-friendly and should take you about five minutes to complete.

Check out our easy swallow tutorial here!

The Dove

origami dove complete

The dove is infamous for its symbolism of peace, love, and hope!

This graceful origami dove is easy and takes about 5 minutes to fold.

Check out our easy dove tutorial here!

The Hen

origami hen complete

The swallow is a bird that flies away in the winter and returns in the fall. This can represent a fresh start or revival.

This traditional origami swallow is beginner-friendly and should take you about five minutes to complete.

Check out our easy swallow tutorial here!

The Pajarita

origami pajarita complete

The swallow is a bird that flies away in the winter and returns in the fall. This can represent a fresh start or revival.

This traditional origami swallow is beginner-friendly and should take you about five minutes to complete.

Check out our easy swallow tutorial here!

 

Final Thoughts

Origami birds are among the most popular and beloved designs to fold and are a perfect place to jump into this amazing craft.

If you found a spark of passion while browsing this guide, you might also enjoy visiting our growing origami archive here. There are many more origami designs out there to conquer, and like our friendly birds, we only have a short time on this earth to do it!

Thank you for reading, and happy folding!