Which national flag shows a yellow bird of paradise above the Southern Cross?

Papua New Guinea’s national flag shows a yellow bird of paradise above the Southern Cross.

The flag is divided diagonally into a black upper section and a red lower section. Five white stars form the Southern Cross in the black half, while a yellow Raggiana bird-of-paradise appears in the red half. Both images are strongly associated with Papua New Guinea’s geography and culture.

The flag was designed by Susan Karike Huhume and adopted on 11 March 1971, before independence in 1975. The bird of paradise is a major national symbol, while the Southern Cross reflects Papua New Guinea’s position in the southern hemisphere.

Australia’s flag also contains the Southern Cross, which can cause confusion. Australia’s flag additionally has the Union Jack and a large Commonwealth Star, whereas Papua New Guinea’s has the diagonal division and the distinctive bird.