Dominica Flag: Meaning, Sisserou Parrot, Colors & History
Explore one of the world’s most distinctive national flags: a forest-green field, yellow-black-white triple cross, ten stars and the purple-breasted Sisserou parrot at its center.
What does the Dominica flag look like?
The flag of the Commonwealth of Dominica has a forest-green field crossed horizontally and vertically by narrow yellow, black and white stripes. At the center is a red circular disc containing a Sisserou parrot standing on a twig, surrounded by ten lime-green stars.
What do the colors and symbols mean?
Why is there a Sisserou parrot on the flag?
The bird is the Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis), widely recognized as Dominica’s national bird and found only on the island. The government calls it the “Pride of Dominica.”
Official symbolism describes the parrot as representing flight toward greater heights and fulfilment of national aspirations. It also appears on Dominica’s coat of arms, public seal and other state symbols.
What do the ten stars represent?
The ten lime-green stars represent Dominica’s ten parishes. Official guidance says they have equal status, symbolizing equality among the people. The star is also described as a traditional symbol of hope.
| Saint Andrew | Saint David |
| Saint George | Saint John |
| Saint Joseph | Saint Luke |
| Saint Mark | Saint Patrick |
| Saint Paul | Saint Peter |
History of the Dominica flag
Before independence, Dominica used British-associated symbols. The Office of the President records that after 1967 the state flag was a British Blue Ensign carrying the full coat of arms in the fly.
A completely new national flag was adopted at independence on November 3, 1978. The design was based on a national flag competition and was created by Dominican artist and cultural figure Alwin Bully.
Why does the Dominica flag contain purple?
Dominica is notable because the Sisserou parrot is depicted with purple plumage, especially on the breast. The Office of the President explicitly instructs that the breast of the bird is purple.
That makes Dominica one of the small number of sovereign national flags that visibly incorporate purple. The use is not an abstract color stripe: it comes from the attempt to represent the natural coloring of the Sisserou parrot.
Dominica flag ratio and construction
Official protocol specifies that the flag should be in a 2:1 width-to-height proportion. It also states that the yellow, black and white stripes should be the same size and that the central red emblem should be a circle.
| Ratio | 1:2 height to width |
|---|---|
| Field | Forest green |
| Cross | Yellow, black and white triple stripes |
| Cross stripe widths | Equal |
| Center | Red circle |
| Stars | 10 lime-green stars |
| Bird | Sisserou parrot; purple breast specified by protocol |
How should the Dominica flag be displayed?
The Office of the President publishes protocol for national symbols. No other flag, color, standard, ensign or emblem should be displayed above or to the right of the Dominica flag, meaning the observer’s left when facing the display.
Official etiquette guidance also says the national flag is hoisted first and lowered last when displayed with other flags, and international flags should be placed on staffs of equal height where possible.
Dominica flag FAQ
What bird is on the Dominica flag?
The Sisserou parrot, Dominica’s national bird.
Why are there ten stars?
They represent the ten parishes and their equal status.
Who designed the Dominica flag?
Alwin Bully designed the independence-era flag.
When was the flag adopted?
November 3, 1978, the date of independence.
Does the Dominica flag really use purple?
Yes. Official protocol states that the Sisserou parrot’s breast is purple.
What is the flag ratio?
1:2 height to width.
Is Dominica the same as the Dominican Republic?
No. They are separate countries with entirely different flags.
