Teen flips her ‘big bird’ middle finger — warns ‘my toes are worse’ By . Ben Cost. Published March 17, 2021. Updated March 17, 2021, 1:49 p.m. ET.

Big Bird’s suit, with its 5,961 feathers, was burdensome. Mr Spinney opened and shut Big Bird’s eyelids by moving a 5lb (2.3kg) lever with his little finger.

Directed by Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker, "I Am Big Bird" is a loving portrait of the man who has been inside that giant bird suit ever since “Sesame Street” debuted back in 1969.

Big Bird was a four year old for a minute, ... His arm was Big Bird’s neck. Spinney’s pinky finger triggered the bird’s eyes while his thumb powered the jaw, so Big Bird could speak.

Big Bird was built a little differently then: ... My little finger operates the eye, my thumb is the jaw. And also I’m wearing a monitor, I’m looking down at it when I’m working.

Big Bird and the man inside: Inseparable on Sesame Street for almost 50 years. Caroll Spinney, ... With his right hand, using four fingers, Spinney controlled Big Bird’s mouth.