The golden eagle appears on Mexico’s coat of arms, standing on a prickly pear cactus while holding a snake.
The emblem is based on the traditional Mexica foundation story of Tenochtitlan. According to the story, the Mexica were instructed to establish their city where they saw an eagle on a cactus. The image became a central symbol of Mexican identity and is shown on the national flag and other official emblems.
The eagle in Mexico’s emblem is generally identified as the golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos. It is a widespread Northern Hemisphere raptor with dark brown plumage and golden-brown feathers around the head and neck.
The emblematic scene is often described as an eagle eating or grasping a snake. Artistic versions vary in detail, but the cactus, eagle, and snake remain the defining elements. Mexico’s coat of arms should not be confused with the bald eagle used by the United States.