There are origami models that sit quietly on a shelf, and then there are ones that move. This little bird belongs firmly to the second group: fold it, pinch its body, and pull the tail — the wings flap up and down as if it suddenly remembered it is a bird. It is the kind of toy that makes people ask, "Wait, you made that from one square of paper?" The folding itself is wonderfully rhythmic. Most of the work is the same pocket move, repeated as the model takes shape, so after the first few steps you will settle into a steady, almost hypnotic groove. By the final step you are no longer holding paper — you are holding a pet. Make one for your desk, fold a few for kids, and enjoy the moment a flat square of paper takes flight.

This moving origami bird is different because it can actually flap on command, like a toy. Hold it where you are supposed to and pull the tail correctly, and you will see the paper bird come alive.

STEP 1

Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

STEP 2

Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

STEP 3

Open the paper as shown to create a small pocket, then flatten down the sides of the pocket.

STEP 4

Continue from STEP 3.

STEP 5

Turn the paper over.

STEP 6

Open the paper as shown to create a small pocket, then flatten down the sides of the pocket.

STEP 7

Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

STEP 8

Open the paper as shown to create a small pocket, then flatten down the sides of the pocket.

STEP 9

Continue from STEP 8.

STEP 10

Turn the paper over.

STEP 11

Open the paper as shown to create a small pocket, then flatten down the sides of the pocket.

STEP 12

Fold backward along the dotted line. Fold the reverse side in the same way.

STEP 13

Fold the paper so the dotted line ends up on the inside.

STEP 14

Fold the paper so the dotted line ends up on the inside.

STEP 15

Complete! Pull back the tail while holding the body to make the wings flap.