How to Make an Easy Origami Parrot

Today, we are going to learn how to fold a traditional origami parrot, also known as an origami parakeet. This is one of the first origami projects that Japanese kindergarten students take on, and it’s perfect for beginners.

In Japanese culture, birds are seen as symbols of freedom and peace. Making them in origami shows a love for nature. While the crane is known for its peace and long-life symbolism, the parakeet adds a fun and colorful touch. People often use it for decorations or as a cute gift.

Grab some colorful origami paper, and let’s fold this lovely paper parrot suitable for beginner folders of all ages.

Traditional Origami Parrot Step-by-Step Instructions

• Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 2
• Folding time: 5 minutes
• Model designer: Traditional
• Paper: 15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami or Chiyogami

Step 1

Start with he white side of the paper facing up in a diamond position. Fold it in half along the vertical diagonal and unfold it.

Step 2

Fold the bottom edges to the centerline.

Step 3

Mountain fold the white triangular flap to the back.

Step 4

On each side, fold the top edge to the centerline.

Step 5

Unfold the top right flap.

Step 6

Open the flap from the center, making a fold along the dotted line.

Flatten the model by making the rightmost corner meet the center point.

Step 7

Repeat steps 5-7 on the left side.

Step 8

Fold the top flap’s bottom edges upward to meet the nearest crease.

Step 9

Pleat the brid’s tail (bottom flap).

🐦 Folding tip: This step decides how long the tail of your parrot will be. You can change the fold to make the tail shorter or longer.

Step 10

Fold the model in half from right to left.

Step 11

Rotate the model 1/4 of a turn counterclockwise.

Step 12

Inside reverse fold the top corner to create the parrot’s beak.

🐦 Folding tip: Just like in step 9, you can tweak the fold to make the beak shorter or longer by playing around with the angle.

Your Origami Parrot Is Ready to Fly!

Feel free to play around with different paper textures, colors, and sizes to add more fun, and don’t forget to share your origami parrots with us in the comments or on social media.

And if you enjoy folding birds, head to our origami birds tutorials.

Download the Full Origami Parrot Printable PDF Instructions

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Watch the Origami Parrot Video Tutorial

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