Most origami birds just sit there looking decorative. This one talks back. The talking crow is one of those wonderful old action models that has been passed around playgrounds for generations: thirteen folds, one square of paper, and suddenly you have a crow that snaps its beak open and shut whenever you pull its wings apart.

It is the kind of model that earns its keep long after the folding is over. Kids work out the trick in about three seconds and then spend the next half hour making the crow chatter at their friends; adults tend to fold one, poke at the mechanism, and immediately want to know how it works. Everything here is straight valley and mountain folds following the dotted lines, so there is no glue and no cutting — just pay attention at the last step, where the angle of the feet decides whether your crow stands proudly or slowly tips forward.

The talking crow is an action origami toy — it can open and shut its beak. This beautiful traditional origami crow is actually quite easy to make, and if you fold the feet at just the right angle, it will stand up on its own!

This is fun origami to make with your friends or family. Kids really love it, both the folding and watching the form take shape. And because it moves, they love playing with it afterwards too. It is easy to fold, so enjoy making a few with your child!

Step 1: Fold and crease in the direction of the arrow.

Step 2: Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

Step 3: Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

Step 4: Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

Step 5: Bring the flaps at the bottom of the triangle up to the top.

Step 6: Turn the paper over.

Step 7: Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

Step 8: Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

Step 9: Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

Step 10: Fold back in the direction of the arrows.

Step 11: Fold the paper along the dotted line in the direction of the arrow.

Step 12: Fold backwards along the dotted line.

Step 13: Your origami talking crow is complete. Make the beak open and shut by pulling the wings to the left and right.