We believe that imagination is one of origami’s best parts. Birds are the most popular way of expressing that imagination. Many of them represent freedom, beauty, and intelligence.
This list includes 21 origami bird ideas to fold, including classic cranes, penguins, seagulls, and many other challenges like origami eagles.
These origami birds vary in complexity, from the elegance of the graceful flamingo to the intricate details of a peacock. You can find some inspiration here if you are just starting to fold or are pretty skilled. Each bird model comes with step-by-step instructions, so go ahead and make your paper birds. You can also refer to the quick picture index to quickly pick your origami project today.
We will start from the easiest model to much advanced ones. For beginners, check the first part and if you want to challenge yourself, use the table of content to jump to those advanced origami bird ideas.
1. The Classic Crane
Difficult: easy
The classic crane is one of the most recognizable origami figures. Known for its elegant shape, it symbolizes peace and hope.
Check step by step crane instruction
2. Easy Dove
Difficult: easy
This easy dove requires less than ten steps, and it is easy to make even if you are just beginning.
Check Step by Step Dove Instruction
3. Flapping Bird
Difficult: easy
Flapping bird is one of the most interesting model in the collection of origami birds because it can whipping the wings or flapping effects when pulling its tail.
It can be the starting point of your origami bird themed mobile.
Check step by step origami flapping bird instruction
4. Origami Duck in Water
This is a super cute origami duck model that can be finished along with your children. It has a super sharp duck beak and a swimming pose like they are on the lake. Since it is a two side viewing model, you can use it as element of your mobile or hanging decoration.
Difficult: Easy
Instruction: origami duck step by step
5. Easy Origami Bird
Hereโs a super easy and cute origami bird. This is the simplest version, with a chubby body and the classic appearance of a bird that we often see in cartoons. Despite being so easy to make, it can also bring you a lot of enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
Difficult: Easy
Instruction: easy origami bird step by step
6. Easy Origami Pigeons
This stationary pigeon is a simple origami bird design – it is pigeons. The symbol of peach and happiness.
Difficult: Easy
Instruction: easy origami pigeons
7. Easy Origami Penguin
This is the best start if you plan to make some lovely origami with kids. It only takes 5 minutes and several basic steps to finish. You may use different paper sizes to make penguins, moms, and kids.
Difficult: Easy
Instruction: easy origami penguin
8. Origami Crow
The finished crow has a medium-sized streamlined body with a strong, slightly curved beak pointed at the tip.
It also has short and sturdy legs under the body. You can stand the crow on the table with a cubeโs help because the tails are long and hanging.
Difficult: Easy
Instruction: origami crow step by step
9. Middle Origami Penguin
This middle version of the origami penguin closely resembles a real penguin, featuring its characteristic beak, charming fins, and elegant upright posture, guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who makes it. If you are new to origami, you may check our Easy Origami Penguin, it is the best one to start your origami journey. Besides, we have a lovely cute 3D origami Penguin with more details.
Difficult: Easy to Middle
Instruction: origami penguin step by step
10. 3D Origami Penguin
A super cute finger penguin. This one is a little bit complex, but with a great and lovely result. The finished 3D penguin can stand on a table or you can wear it on your fingers.
Difficult: Easy to Middle
Instruction: 3D origami penguin
11. Elegant Origami Swan
Difficult: middle
This lovely origami swan has a long and tall leg and a pair of flapping wings. You can imagine it whipping the wings over the water surface of lakes.
This paper swan instruction belongs to middle level, a little bit complex than traditional paper crane. But follow our step by step instruction, you will finish with lovely swan.
Check Step by step Swan Instruction
12. Graceful Origami Flamingo
Difficult: middle
Flamingos are popular for their elegance and vibrant colors. Those origami flamingos have super long legs.
Check step by step origami flamingo bird instruction
13. Intricate Origami Peacock
The peacock is renowned for its beauty and elaborate tail. Origami versions strive to replicate its intricate feather patterns and vibrant display.
Difficult: middle
Instruction: Origami Peacock
14. Mythical Origami Phoenix
The mythical phoenix represents rebirth and renewal. Creating a phoenix involves layered folds that depict its elegant and long wings. This origami phoenix has a flaying gesture.
Difficult: middle
Instruction: Origami phoenix bird
16. Detailed Origami Seagull
If you are skilled in folders and love to fold birds, donโt miss this origami seagull. It has two long, broad wings that can catch the wind for efficient flight. When seeing from the top, the overall posture looks like it is flying in the sky. The overall posture looks light and evokes a sense of freedom, bringing back fond memories of the sea.
Difficult: middle
Instruction: Origami Seagull Bird Step by Step
17. Stylized Origami Goose
This is an origami goose standing around the lake. Although it needs around 30 steps, this origami goose is still beginner-friendly because most steps are simple folds. Letโs transfer a square of paper into a cute goose.
Difficult: middle
Instruction: origami goose step by step
18. Origami Hummingbird in Motion
What comes to your mind when you think about a hummingbird, is it hovering in the mid-air around the flowers. This hummingbird origami model bring that imagination to live.
You can either shape the birdโs beak as a sharp straight or make it slightly bending. One of the best part of this origami hummingbird is the back. If you see from the back, there is lovely white line across the back and wings. We can imagine how strong Hummingbird is even the real ones are quite small in size.
Difficult: middle to difficult
Instruction: Origami Hummingbird
19. Creative Origami Parrots
Parrots are known for their vibrant colors and personality. In origami, they can be brought to life through vibrant paper choices and engaging folding techniques.
This model includes lots of details of a parrot including the shake, the beak and broad chest. It is so vivid.
I love the impressive long tail of those paper parrots. And whatโs more interesting is that the finished paper parrots can stand on your fingers.
Difficult: middle to difficult
Instruction: origami parrot step by step
20. Festive Origami Turkey
When mentioning turkey, its association with Thanksgiving always comes to mind in the first place. Thanksgiving Day is a beautiful opportunity for families, children, and friends to unite. On each Thanksgiving day, baked turkey will bring the family together. How about changing the activity and trying something you have never experienced- folding paper turkey together after dinner.
Difficult: middle
Instruction: origami turkey step by step
21. Majestic Origami Eagle
This is a super cute origami duck model that can be finished along with your children. It has a super sharp duck beak and a swimming pose like they are on the lake. Since it is a two side viewing model, you can use it as element of your mobile or hanging decoration.
Difficult: Easy
Instruction: origami eagle step by step
