Which Bird Kite For You?

From American, Balinese or Chinese Kite Makers

Flying a bird kite is a very old idea. That doesn't stop Chinese kite makers and others from turning out endless variations! The attraction is obvious. It looks like a bird, birds fly extremely well, so hopefully so does the kite!

Try this if you're not living in the U.S.

Try this if you're not living in the U.S.

In 2009, you are most likely to find these kinds of kites for sale from

• The thriving kite-making industry in Bali, Indonesia
• Exporters of traditional kites from China
• U.S. children's kites manufacturers

Bird Kites From Bali

This small island in Indonesia, just to the north-west of Australia, is home to a thriving artistic community. Wares from this location are widely available online.

2D and 3D bird kites are a popular choice for the artisans, who make them collapsible for transport. These are made in large numbers, and are also known as 'tourist kites' since most of them leave Bali in the cargo holds of commercial aircraft! The art-work is typically very vivid and colorful. Like many Chinese creature kites, the Balinese manage to achieve almost photo-realistic results with their hand-painted decoration.

Parachute fabric is used to cover the bamboo frames for many of the tourist kites in Bali. Rayon or nylon from other sources is also used.

The Chinese Bird Kite

Of course this is just one tiny category in the enormous range of traditional Chinese kite types.

The outline of the head, wings and tail are constructed from thin strips of bamboo. These are expertly formed into the required curves to match the outline, and attached with glue.

Next, the hand-painted sail is attached to the frame and trimmed where necessary. Finally, the bridle line(s) are attached to the frame. Unlike Western factory kites, many of these are made-to-order, and individually test-flown to ensure satisfaction.

Most of these bird kites seem to be 2D, although with details such as the head and claws cleverly painted to look 3D from a distance.

Dozens and sometimes hundreds of people at a time gather in one spot to fly kites, in many Chinese cities. In good weather, parks, reserves and other open spaces fill with people of all ages enjoying the relaxing hobby of flying single-liners.

Here's a fine example of a traditional kite in the photo below. The old man might be living in the 21st Century, but you can be sure that 2D kites that looked much like his were being flown in China centuries ago!

Buy From Art.com

The Western Shop-Bought Bird Kite

These are mainly aimed at children, and most are probably not great fliers by traditional standards. We've seen one of these occasionally, but not flying at any great height! No doubt some are better than others. If it flies at all, in a moderate breeze, the kite is probably doing a good job from a child's perspective!

These kites typically use nylon spars and also nylon cloth for the sails. Sometimes Tyvek, another durable modern material, is used for the sails. Mass-production techniques are used for applying colors and patterns to the sails. Often, tails are required for stability, and these are designed to appeal visually to the kids as well.

More On 2D Vs 3D

As you have no dount noticed by now, bird kites fall neatly into 2 categories. 2D (2-dimensional) and 3D (3-dimensional).

2D designs are more-or-less flat kites which have an outline resembling a bird. Hawks and eagles are popular, since they are soaring birds. An image of that bird is applied to the sail. This could be hand-painted in a remote village or the result of the latest material-printing technology in a factory. The main thing is, when in flight, there is no mistaking what it is supposed to be!

3D designs go a bit further to represent a living bird more accurately, by molding the shape of the head and body. Some examples even attempt to copy the flapping motion of the bird in flight! Interestingly, even some ancient Chinese kites fall into this rather clever category.

The bird kite idea pops up in many, if not most, kite-flying cultures. Even if it's just an image of a bird or bird's head on a large flat kite of some type. Ok, I guess that's a third category!

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Last updated: 12 Oct 2009