The Golden-shouldered Parrot, or Alwal in Olkola language, is one of Australia’s most beautiful, precious birds.
Once found over most of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, it's now estimated there are only between 780 and 1,100 individuals left in the wild. Learn more about our partnership with the Olkola people that helps protect these parrots.
When you're ready to make a paper parrot, download our Alwal template (900kb) and print on a double-sided colour printer. Then simply cut out the printed shape and follow the steps below.
Step 1. Start with the paper facing back side up – like this.
Step 2. Fold the sheet in half to make a large triangle, making a crease, then unfold.
Step 3. With the paper square again, fold two sides in to meet the crease you’ve just made.
Step 4. Now fold the top point of the kite backwards and down to make a triangle again.
Step 5. Take each top corner of the triangle, fold in to the centre to make a crease.
Step 6. Unfold and pull the inside corners down and across, bringing the dotted corners to flatten.
Step 7. Fold the flaps upwards along the top guideline.
Step 8. Now fold the bottom corner and fold down again along the higher guideline. This will be Alwal’s tail.
Step 9. Fold Alwal in half as shown.
Congratulations! You’ve finished making Alwal.
