A condor is depicted on the coat of arms shown on Ecuador’s flag. The bird appears above the central shield with its wings spread wide.
The condor is an Andean condor, a powerful bird associated with the mountain landscapes of Ecuador and other countries along the Andes. In Ecuador’s official symbolism, its outstretched wings represent power, greatness, and strength. The bird also conveys the idea that Ecuador is ready to defend itself against its enemies.
The coat of arms was placed at the center of Ecuador’s official state flag after the arms reached their current form in 1900. Inside the shield are several national images, including Chimborazo, the Guayas River, a steamship, and a sun surrounded by zodiac signs. Four national flags, laurel, palm, and a fasces complete the emblem. A plain yellow-blue-red tricolor is also used as Ecuador’s civil flag, so not every Ecuadorian flag displays the condor.