10 countries with eagles on their flags

Across time and geography, the eagle has remained a constant in the world of national symbols. From ancient empires to present-day republics, the bird features prominently on flags and coats of arms. Whether shown with two heads or one, in flight or standing still, the eagle appears in a variety of forms– often alongside specific colours, shields, weapons, or local emblems. While the reasons behind its use vary, the bird remains one of the most recognisable motifs in flag design.

Here’s a look at ten national flags that feature an eagle– and what each one actually shows.

Albania’s national flag is red with a black, double-headed eagle positioned at the centre. The design traces back to the medieval era and is connected to historic national use. The eagle stands upright with both wings raised, and each head faces outward. In official versions, a thin white outline surrounds the eagle to enhance visibility.

Mexico’s flag features three vertical stripes in green, white, and red. At the centre of the white stripe is a coat of arms that shows a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus. The eagle holds a snake in its beak and talon, and the base includes a wreath of oak and laurel tied with a ribbon.

The Egyptian flag uses a horizontal tricolour of red, white, and black. In the middle white stripe sits a gold-coloured heraldic eagle, commonly referred to as the Eagle of Saladin. The eagle holds a scroll with Arabic script and faces toward the viewer’s left side.

Montenegro’s flag has a red background bordered in gold. At its centre is a golden, double-headed eagle with wings spread outward. The eagle wears a crown and holds a sceptre in one claw and an orb in the other. A small blue and gold shield is placed over the eagle’s chest, featuring a lion passant on green ground beneath a blue sky.

Serbia’s flag consists of three horizontal stripes in red, blue, and white. Toward the left side is the national coat of arms, which includes a white double-headed eagle beneath a crown. A red shield with a white cross and fire-steel elements appears on the eagle’s chest.

The flag of Moldova has three vertical stripes in blue, yellow, and red. Centred on the yellow stripe is the country’s coat of arms, which includes an eagle holding a sceptre and olive branch in its claws. A red and blue shield featuring an aurochs head appears on the eagle’s chest.

Kazakhstan’s flag has a sky-blue background with a golden sun near the top centre. Beneath the sun is a golden steppe eagle shown in flight. The left edge of the flag includes a vertical ornamental pattern in gold, representing traditional Kazakh design motifs.

Zambia’s flag is primarily green, with three vertical stripes in red, black, and orange placed in the bottom right corner. Above these stripes, an orange eagle is depicted in flight with its wings spread. The rest of the flag contains no text or additional imagery.

American Samoa’s flag has a white isosceles triangle bordered in red, pointing toward the fly end. The triangle is set on a dark blue field. Inside it, a bald eagle is shown holding two traditional Samoan items: a war club in one claw and a ceremonial fly whisk in the other.

The U.S. Virgin Islands flag features a white field with a bald eagle at the centre. The eagle’s wings are extended, and it holds an olive branch in one claw and arrows in the other. The letters “V” and “I” appear on either side of the eagle in gold.