South America’s national symbols include Argentina’s rufous hornero, Bolivia’s Andean condor, Brazil’s Pau-Brasil, Chile’s huemul, Colombia’s wax palm and Peru’s vicuña. Some are formally designated national animals, birds, flowers or trees, while others derive their status from national coats of arms or longstanding cultural recognition.
This guide covers the major natural symbols of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela, distinguishing formal designations from symbols whose national status is more informal.
South American National Symbols at a Glance
| Country | Animal / mammal | National bird | National flower | National tree | National fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | None verified | Rufous hornero | Ceibo | None verified | – |
| Bolivia | Llama* | Andean condor | Kantuta & Patujú | None verified | – |
| Brazil | Jaguar** | Rufous-bellied thrush | Yellow ipê* | Pau-Brasil | Açaí & cupuaçu |
| Chile | Huemul* | Andean condor* | Copihue | Araucaria* | – |
| Colombia | None separately designated | Andean condor | Cattleya trianae | Quindío wax palm | None verified |
| Ecuador | Andean condor* | Andean condor* | Chuquiragua* | Cinchona* | – |
| Guyana | Jaguar*** | Hoatzin / Canje pheasant | Victoria amazonica | None verified | – |
| Paraguay | Pampas fox* | Bare-throated bellbird | Blue passionflower* | Lapacho / Tajy | – |
| Peru | Vicuña* | Andean cock-of-the-rock | Cantuta | Quina / Cinchona* | None verified |
| Suriname | None verified | None verified | Faya Lobi | Royal palm* | – |
| Uruguay | None separately designated | Southern lapwing / Tero | Ceibo | Árbol de Artigas* | – |
| Venezuela | None verified | Venezuelan troupial | Cattleya mossiae | Araguaney | – |
* Important national, heraldic or cultural symbol, but the exact formal designation commonly attributed to it requires qualification.
** Brazil legally recognizes the jaguar as a symbol of biodiversity conservation rather than specifically as its national animal.
*** Guyana officially describes the jaguar as its national mascot.
National Symbols of Argentina
Argentina has two particularly well-established natural symbols: the rufous hornero is its national bird and the Ceibo is its national flower.
What Is the National Bird of Argentina?
The rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus) is Argentina’s national bird. It was chosen in 1928 following a national survey involving schoolchildren.
The hornero is a familiar sight across much of Argentina. Rather than spectacular plumage, it is famous for its remarkable oven-shaped mud nest, which gives the bird both its Spanish name hornero and its scientific genus Furnarius.
Its widespread distribution and close association with rural and urban landscapes helped make it a particularly representative Argentine bird.
Although it is sometimes called Argentina’s “national animal,” national bird is the more accurate designation.
What Is the National Flower of Argentina?
The Ceibo (Erythrina crista-galli) is Argentina’s national flower. It was officially designated in 1942.
The tree produces conspicuous clusters of deep red flowers and grows naturally in wetlands and along waterways in northeastern and central Argentina.
The Ceibo is also the national flower of neighboring Uruguay, making it one of several natural symbols shared across South American borders.
National Symbols of Bolivia
Bolivia’s natural symbolism is closely tied to the Andes and the country’s diverse landscapes. The Andean condor is its national bird, while the Kantuta and Patujú are both national flowers.
What Is the National Bird of Bolivia?
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is Bolivia’s national bird and appears prominently on the national coat of arms.
One of the world’s largest flying birds, the condor is closely associated with the high Andes. Its enormous wingspan allows it to soar for long periods while searching for carrion.
In Bolivia’s official symbolism, the condor represents the country’s pursuit of horizons without limits.
Is the Llama Bolivia’s National Animal?
The llama (Lama glama) is one of Bolivia’s principal animal symbols and appears on the national coat of arms, but a separate formal designation as Bolivia’s “national animal” could not be verified.
Llamas have been domesticated in the Andes for thousands of years and traditionally provided transport, wool, meat and other resources to highland communities.
On Bolivia’s coat of arms, the llama represents the country’s animal wealth. It is therefore unquestionably an official national symbol, even if the commonly used title “national animal” is less precise.
What Are the National Flowers of Bolivia?
Bolivia has two national flowers: the Kantuta (Cantua buxifolia) and the Patujú (Heliconia rostrata).
The two plants also reflect Bolivia’s contrasting environments. The Kantuta is closely associated with the Andean highlands, while the tropical Patujú grows in the warmer eastern regions.
Their red, yellow and green coloration echoes the colors of the Bolivian flag, and both flowers have official national status.
National Symbols of Brazil
Brazil has several formally recognized natural symbols. The rufous-bellied thrush is the national bird, Pau-Brasil is the national tree, and açaí and cupuaçu are both national fruits. The jaguar and yellow ipê also have strong national associations, although their precise status differs.
What Is the National Bird of Brazil?
The rufous-bellied thrush (Turdus rufiventris), known in Brazil as the Sabiá-laranjeira, is Brazil’s national bird.
This common thrush occurs across much of Brazil and is particularly known for its melodious song. It has a long presence in Brazilian literature, music and popular culture.
Its recognition as a national bird reflects this cultural familiarity rather than rarity or an especially exotic appearance.
Is the Jaguar Brazil’s National Animal?
The jaguar (Panthera onca) is an official Brazilian symbol of biodiversity conservation, but we could not verify a formal designation specifically making it Brazil’s national animal.
Brazil contains a major proportion of the world’s remaining jaguar habitat, particularly in the Amazon and Pantanal. In 2018, the country formally recognized the jaguar as a symbol of Brazilian biodiversity conservation and established November 29 as National Jaguar Day.
The jaguar is therefore an important official wildlife symbol, but calling it simply Brazil’s national animal overstates its designation.
What Is the National Flower of Brazil?
The yellow ipê is widely recognized as Brazil’s national flower, although its legal status is less straightforward than that of the country’s national tree.
Several species of Handroanthus produce the spectacular yellow flowers associated with the symbol. During flowering, the trees can lose their leaves almost entirely, leaving their crowns covered in bright yellow blossoms.
The yellow ipê has become strongly associated with Brazilian identity, but it should not be confused with Pau-Brasil, which has a clear statutory designation as the country’s national tree.
What Is the National Tree of Brazil?
Pau-Brasil (Paubrasilia echinata) is the national tree of Brazil. It was formally designated under federal law in 1978.
The species is so closely tied to the country’s history that Brazil itself takes its name from Pau-Brasil. Its valuable reddish heartwood was heavily exploited after Portuguese colonization and exported to Europe for producing red dye.
Today, the species is associated with the Atlantic Forest and is protected after centuries of exploitation.
What Are the National Fruits of Brazil?
Brazil officially has two national fruits: cupuaçu and açaí.
Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum), a relative of cacao native to the Amazon, was designated Brazil’s national fruit in 2008. Its aromatic pulp is widely used in drinks, desserts and other foods.
In January 2026, federal legislation added açaí (Euterpe oleracea) alongside cupuaçu, meaning Brazil now officially recognizes both fruits.
This is a recent change: older sources stating that cupuaçu alone is Brazil’s national fruit are now outdated.
National Symbols of Chile
Chile’s most prominent animal symbols are the huemul and Andean condor, which appear together on the national coat of arms. The Copihue is the country’s established national flower.
What Is the National Animal of Chile?
The huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) is one of Chile’s principal national animal symbols and appears on the country’s coat of arms.
This endangered deer is native to the southern Andes of Chile and Argentina. It inhabits mountainous forests, shrublands and valleys in Patagonia.
The huemul has appeared alongside the condor on Chile’s coat of arms since the 19th century. It is therefore an official heraldic animal symbol, although describing it simply as Chile’s formally designated “national animal” is less precise.
What Is the National Bird of Chile?
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is one of Chile’s foremost national bird symbols and appears on the national coat of arms alongside the huemul.
The condor is strongly associated with the Andes and occurs throughout much of Chile’s mountainous territory.
Rather than relying on a separate national-bird title, its official national significance is firmly established through its place on Chile’s coat of arms.
What Is the National Flower of Chile?
The Copihue (Lapageria rosea) is Chile’s national flower.
This climbing plant is native to the temperate forests of central and southern Chile. Its distinctive hanging flowers are usually red, although pink and white forms also occur.
The Copihue also has longstanding cultural importance to the Mapuche people, who know the plant as kolkopiw.
What Is the National Tree of Chile?
The Araucaria or monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) is one of Chile’s most iconic native trees, but we could not verify a formal designation making it the country’s national tree.
The species is native to the Andes of Chile and Argentina and can live for many centuries. It also has major cultural importance to the Mapuche-Pehuenche people, for whom its edible seeds, known as piñones, have traditionally been an important food.
The Araucaria is a protected and highly symbolic Chilean species, but “national tree” should be treated as an informal description rather than a clearly verified official title.
National Symbols of Colombia
Colombia has three particularly well-established natural symbols: the Andean condor is its national bird, Cattleya trianae its national flower, and the Quindío wax palm its national tree.
What Is the National Bird of Colombia?
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is Colombia’s national bird and appears on the country’s coat of arms.
The species inhabits the Andes and is one of the world’s largest flying birds. Although its Colombian population is relatively small, the condor has long represented freedom, sovereignty and the mountainous landscapes of the country.
On Colombia’s coat of arms, the condor is depicted with its wings extended and holding a laurel wreath in its beak.
Although sometimes described as Colombia’s “national animal,” national bird is the more accurate designation.
What Is the National Flower of Colombia?
The orchid Cattleya trianae is Colombia’s national flower. It has been recognized as the country’s representative flower since 1936.
The species is native to Colombia and produces large, colorful flowers, typically with pale pink or lavender petals and a more intensely colored lip.
Interestingly, its national status developed through official recognition and cultural convention rather than a specific law formally declaring it the national flower.
What Is the National Tree of Colombia?
The Quindío wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense) is Colombia’s national tree. Its status was formally established by law in 1985.
Native to the Colombian Andes, it is the tallest palm species in the world, with mature specimens capable of reaching around 60 meters in height.
The spectacular palms are particularly associated with the Cocora Valley and have become one of the most recognizable features of Colombia’s Andean landscapes.
Does Colombia Have a National Fruit?
Colombia does not have a verified official national fruit. Borojó (Alibertia patinoi) is sometimes given this title online, but we could not substantiate an official designation.
Borojó is native to the humid forests of northwestern South America and is used extensively in drinks and other preparations in Colombia’s Pacific region. Its cultural and culinary importance, however, does not make it an official national fruit.
National Symbols of Ecuador
Ecuador’s clearest natural national symbol is the Andean condor, which occupies a prominent position on the country’s coat of arms. Claims surrounding a national flower and tree are considerably less certain.
What Is the National Animal or Bird of Ecuador?
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is one of Ecuador’s foremost national animal symbols and appears with its wings spread above the national coat of arms.
The condor represents power, greatness and strength in the official symbolism of the Ecuadorian coat of arms. Its presence also reflects Ecuador’s Andean geography and the species’ longstanding cultural importance throughout the Andes.
The bird is frequently called Ecuador’s national animal or national bird. However, its clearest official status comes from its role as a national heraldic symbol, rather than from a separately verified designation under either title.
What Is the National Flower of Ecuador?
Ecuador does not appear to have a formally designated national flower. The Chuquiragua (Chuquiraga jussieui) is frequently described as Ecuador’s national flower, but we could not verify an authoritative official designation.
The plant is nevertheless strongly associated with the Ecuadorian Andes. It grows at high elevations in the páramo and produces distinctive orange flowers.
Chuquiragua is sometimes called the “flower of the Andes” and remains a recognizable symbol of Ecuador’s high-altitude ecosystems, but it is safer to describe it as an emblematic native flower rather than an official national flower.
What Is the National Tree of Ecuador?
Ecuador does not have a clearly verified official national tree. Cinchona, or quina, is frequently given this title, but authoritative evidence for a formal national designation is lacking.
Cinchona trees are historically important because their bark contains quinine, which became one of the earliest effective treatments for malaria.
The genus has particularly strong historical connections with Ecuador and neighboring Andean countries, but that importance should not be confused with a verified national-tree designation.
National Symbols of Guyana
Guyana officially recognizes several distinctive native species as national symbols. The jaguar is its national mascot, the hoatzin its national bird, and the giant water lily its national flower.
What Is the National Animal of Guyana?
The jaguar (Panthera onca) is Guyana’s national mascot.
Guyana retains extensive areas of tropical forest, providing important habitat for jaguars and numerous other large South American wildlife species.
Although the jaguar is commonly described as Guyana’s national animal, “national mascot” is the more precise official terminology.
What Is the National Bird of Guyana?
The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), locally known as the Canje pheasant, is Guyana’s national bird.
Despite its local name, the hoatzin is not actually a pheasant. It belongs to an unusual evolutionary lineage and is famous for its leaf-heavy diet and specialized digestive system.
Young hoatzins are even more unusual: their wings possess temporary claws, which help the chicks climb through vegetation.
The bird takes its Guyanese name from the Canje River area, where it is particularly associated with wetland and riverside habitats.
What Is the National Flower of Guyana?
The giant water lily (Victoria amazonica) is Guyana’s national flower.
This enormous aquatic plant produces floating leaves that can grow well over a meter across. The flowers open pale or white before changing toward pink as they age.
The species inhabits slow-moving waterways in tropical South America and represents Guyana’s extensive freshwater ecosystems and extraordinary plant diversity.
National Symbols of Paraguay
Paraguay has two particularly well-established natural symbols: the bare-throated bellbird is its national bird and the Lapacho, or Tajy, is its national tree. Other species are commonly presented as national symbols, but their official status is less clear.
What Is the National Bird of Paraguay?
The bare-throated bellbird (Procnias nudicollis) is Paraguay’s national bird. Its status is formally established by Paraguayan law.
Known locally as the Guyra Campana, the species is famous for the extraordinarily loud, metallic call of the male. Males are mostly white with a distinctive bare turquoise-green throat, while females have predominantly green plumage.
The bird inhabits Atlantic Forest environments in Paraguay and neighboring countries and is threatened by habitat loss and capture for the cage-bird trade.
What Is the National Tree of Paraguay?
The Lapacho, known in Guaraní as Tajy, is Paraguay’s national tree. Its national status was formally established by law in 2012.
The designation covers trees commonly known as Lapacho or Tajy within the genera Handroanthus and Tabebuia, rather than a single species.
These trees are famous for their spectacular pink, yellow or white flowering displays and are a familiar feature of Paraguayan landscapes and cities.
Does Paraguay Have a National Animal?
The Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) is sometimes described as Paraguay’s national animal, but we could not verify an official designation.
The species occurs widely in Paraguay and other parts of southern South America. It is therefore a representative native mammal, but its commonly claimed national-animal status should be treated as unofficial.
What Is the National Flower of Paraguay?
The blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) is frequently identified as Paraguay’s national flower, but we could not verify a formal designation from authoritative sources.
Passionflowers are native to South America and are notable for their unusually complex flowers. The blue passionflower occurs naturally in Paraguay, but it is safer to describe its national-flower status as traditional or commonly cited rather than formally established.
National Symbols of Peru
Peru has several particularly important natural symbols. The Andean cock-of-the-rock is its national bird, the Cantuta is recognized as its national flower, while the vicuña and quina tree appear on the national coat of arms.
What Is the National Bird of Peru?
The Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) is Peru’s national bird. It was formally declared the national bird in 1941.
The male is unmistakable, with brilliant orange-red plumage and a large rounded crest that partly conceals its bill.
During courtship, males gather at communal display sites called leks, where they perform and call to attract females. The species inhabits humid forests along the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Is the Vicuña Peru’s National Animal?
The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is one of Peru’s foremost official animal symbols and appears on the national coat of arms, although its precise status is better described through this heraldic role than simply as a formally designated “national animal.”
The smallest wild South American camelid, the vicuña inhabits high-elevation grasslands of the Andes and produces exceptionally fine wool.
On Peru’s coat of arms, the vicuña represents the country’s animal wealth, alongside the quina tree for the plant kingdom and a cornucopia representing mineral wealth.
What Is the National Flower of Peru?
The Cantuta (Cantua buxifolia) is recognized as Peru’s national flower.
Native to the Andes, this shrub produces tubular flowers commonly combining red and yellow tones. It was culturally important to the Inca and remains closely associated with Peru’s Andean heritage.
Interestingly, the Cantuta is also one of Bolivia’s two national flowers, making it another natural symbol shared between neighboring South American countries.
What Is the National Tree of Peru?
The quina or cinchona tree is an official national plant symbol of Peru and appears on the national coat of arms, where it represents the country’s plant wealth.
Cinchona became globally important because its bark contains quinine, historically one of the most important treatments for malaria.
It is commonly called Peru’s national tree. Its strongest official basis, however, is its explicit place on the country’s coat of arms rather than a simple standalone national-tree designation.
Does Peru Have a National Fruit?
Peru does not have a verified official national fruit. Lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is frequently given this title online, but we could not substantiate an official designation.
Lúcuma has been cultivated in the Andes since pre-Columbian times and remains an important ingredient in Peruvian desserts and ice cream. Its cultural importance is genuine, but that does not establish it as an official national fruit.
National Symbols of Suriname
Suriname’s natural-symbol designations are less extensively documented than those of many neighboring countries. The Faya Lobi is widely recognized as the national flower, while the royal palm is also associated with Surinamese national symbolism.
What Is the National Flower of Suriname?
The Faya Lobi (Ixora coccinea) is Suriname’s national flower.
The name Faya Lobi means “fiery love” in Sranan Tongo, referring to the plant’s dense clusters of brightly colored flowers.
The shrub is common in tropical gardens and has become closely associated with Surinamese identity.
What Is the National Animal or Bird of Suriname?
We could not verify an officially designated national animal or national bird of Suriname.
The lesser kiskadee (Philohydor lictor) is sometimes identified online as Suriname’s national animal or bird, but authoritative evidence supporting either designation is lacking.
It is therefore better to omit the claim rather than repeat an apparently unsupported national-symbol designation.
Does Suriname Have a National Tree?
The royal palm is associated with Suriname’s national symbolism, but its status as a formally designated national tree is unclear.
Palm imagery has longstanding symbolic importance in Suriname, including within official national imagery. However, we could not verify a clear legal designation comparable to the national-tree laws found elsewhere in South America.
National Symbols of Uruguay
Uruguay shares its national flower with neighboring Argentina, while its best-established bird symbol is the southern lapwing, locally known as the Tero.
What Is the National Bird of Uruguay?
The southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), known in Uruguay as the Tero, is Uruguay’s national bird.
The Tero is widespread in open grasslands, agricultural areas and urban green spaces throughout Uruguay. It is particularly recognizable by its loud alarm calls and highly territorial behavior.
Although sometimes described as Uruguay’s “national animal,” national bird is the more accurate designation.
What Is the National Flower of Uruguay?
The Ceibo (Erythrina crista-galli) is Uruguay’s national flower.
Its vivid red flowers occur on trees growing naturally around wetlands, riverbanks and other moist environments.
The Ceibo is also Argentina’s national flower, reflecting the species’ natural distribution and cultural importance across the Río de la Plata region.
Does Uruguay Have a National Tree?
Uruguay does not appear to have a clearly designated official national tree. The Árbol de Artigas has important historical symbolism, but it should not be treated simply as Uruguay’s national tree.
The name is associated with the ibirapitá (Peltophorum dubium) and the memory of José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay’s foremost national hero.
Its significance is therefore historical and cultural rather than equivalent to a straightforward legal national-tree designation.
National Symbols of Venezuela
Venezuela has a particularly clear trio of natural national symbols: the Venezuelan troupial, Flor de Mayo orchid and Araguaney are its national bird, flower and tree.
What Is the National Bird of Venezuela?
The Venezuelan troupial (Icterus icterus) is Venezuela’s national bird. It received the designation in 1958.
The species is immediately recognizable by its contrasting orange, black and white plumage. It occurs in dry forests, scrublands and other relatively open habitats across northern South America and parts of the Caribbean.
The troupial is also known for an unusual nesting strategy: rather than constructing its own nest, it frequently takes over nests built by other birds.
Although your old article may describe the troupial as Venezuela’s national animal, its established designation is specifically national bird.
What Is the National Flower of Venezuela?
The Flor de Mayo orchid (Cattleya mossiae) is Venezuela’s national flower. It was officially designated in 1951.
The orchid produces large flowers ranging from pale pink to purple and traditionally blooms around April and May, explaining its Spanish name Flor de Mayo, or “May Flower.”
Orchids are exceptionally diverse in Venezuela, making Cattleya mossiae a fitting representative of the country’s tropical flora.
What Is the National Tree of Venezuela?
The Araguaney (Handroanthus chrysanthus) is Venezuela’s national tree. It was officially designated in 1948.
During the dry season, the tree produces spectacular masses of bright yellow flowers, often while its branches carry few leaves.
The yellow flowers have become a familiar feature of Venezuelan landscapes and one of the country’s most recognizable natural emblems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Argentina’s national bird?
The rufous hornero is Argentina’s national bird. It was selected following a nationwide school survey in 1928.
What is Bolivia’s national animal?
Bolivia does not have a separately verified official national animal. The llama is an important national symbol and appears on the country’s coat of arms, while the Andean condor is the national bird.
What is Brazil’s national animal?
Brazil does not have a verified formally designated national animal. The jaguar is officially recognized as a symbol of Brazilian biodiversity conservation.
What are Brazil’s national fruits?
Açaí and cupuaçu are the national fruits of Brazil. Açaí joined cupuaçu under federal legislation enacted in January 2026.
What is Chile’s national animal?
The huemul is one of Chile’s principal official animal symbols and appears on the national coat of arms alongside the Andean condor. Its heraldic status is clearer than a separate “national animal” designation.
What is Colombia’s national bird?
The Andean condor is Colombia’s national bird. It also appears prominently on the country’s coat of arms.
What is Guyana’s national animal?
The jaguar is Guyana’s national mascot. It is commonly described as the country’s national animal, but national mascot is the more precise terminology.
What is Paraguay’s national bird?
The bare-throated bellbird, or Guyra Campana, is Paraguay’s national bird.
What is Peru’s national bird?
The Andean cock-of-the-rock is Peru’s national bird. It was formally designated in 1941.
What is Uruguay’s national bird?
The southern lapwing, locally known as the Tero, is Uruguay’s national bird.
What is Venezuela’s national bird?
The Venezuelan troupial is Venezuela’s national bird. It received the designation in 1958.
Sources & Further Reading
- Government of Argentina – Ceibo, Argentina’s National Flower
- Government of Argentina – National Flower Day and the Ceibo Designation
- Bolivia – Supreme Decree 27630, National Coat of Arms and the Andean Condor
- Brazilian Presidency – Pau-Brasil as Brazil’s National Tree
- Brazilian Presidency – Cupuaçu National Fruit Law
- Brazilian Presidency – 2026 Law Designating Açaí and Cupuaçu as National Fruits
- Brazilian Government – Jaguar Conservation and National Jaguar Day
- Chile Ministry of Foreign Affairs – National Emblems, Huemul and Andean Condor
- Chile Agricultural and Livestock Service – Chilean Flora and the Copihue
- Colombia Ministry of Foreign Affairs – National Symbols: Condor, Cattleya and Wax Palm
- Guyana Office of the President – National Symbols including Jaguar, Canje Pheasant and Victoria Amazonica
- Paraguay National Congress – Bare-Throated Bellbird as National Bird
- Paraguay National Congress – Lapacho/Tajy as National Tree
- Government of Peru – Andean Cock-of-the-Rock as National Bird
- Peru Ministry of Environment – Cantuta and its National-Flower Status
- Peru Constitutional Court – Quina Tree on the National Coat of Arms
- Uruguay Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Ceibo and Tero as National Flower and Bird
- Montevideo Botanical Garden – Ibirapitá and the Árbol de Artigas
- Venezuelan Embassy – Venezuela’s Natural National Symbols
- Venezuela National Radio – Orchid and Troupial as National Natural Symbols
