Start with a square sheet of paper, colored side up if applicable.
Fold the paper in half diagonally to make a triangle.
Unfold, then fold it diagonally the other way.
Unfold again.
Turn the paper over.
Fold the paper in half horizontally.
Unfold.
Fold the paper in half vertically.
Unfold.
Bring the top corners inward along the existing folds to form a smaller square base.
Position the open corner facing downward.
Fold the left and right edges of the top layer toward the center line.
Fold the top point downward over the two flaps.
Unfold the last three folds.
Lift the bottom point upward while collapsing the sides inward to form a long diamond shape.
Repeat the same folds on the back side.
Fold the left and right edges of the top layer toward the center line on both sides to form the bird base.
Fold the top point downward on the front and back.
Unfold the top point.
Pull the bottom point upward while folding the sides inward to create the neck and tail.
Repeat on the other side.
Fold one narrow tip upward to form the head.
Fold the wings downward.
Shape the neck, head, and tail as needed.