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How to Say "birds" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pájaros

nounA1general
Use 'pájaros' for the general, common understanding of small, flying, feathered animals, especially when referring to their songs or everyday presence.

Examples

Por la mañana, siempre escucho a los pájaros cantar.

In the morning, I always hear the birds singing.

aves

AH-vehsˈaβes

nounA1general
Use 'aves' when referring to birds in a more formal, scientific, or collective sense, such as discussing different species, migration patterns, or the biological classification of birds.
A high-quality storybook illustration showing three distinct, brightly colored birds flying together in a formation against a clear blue sky, illustrating the concept of 'birds'.

Examples

Las aves migratorias vuelan hacia el sur en invierno.

Migratory birds fly south in the winter.

Me gusta despertarme con el canto de las aves.

I like waking up to the singing of the birds.

En este parque hay muchas especies de aves.

There are many species of birds in this park.

Feminine Plural

Even though the singular form ('ave') often uses the masculine article 'el' (el ave) for pronunciation reasons, 'aves' is always feminine plural and uses 'las' (las aves).

Using the Wrong Article in Plural

Mistake: “Los aves son hermosas.”

Correction: Las aves son hermosas. Remember, the word is feminine, and in the plural form 'las' is always used.

General vs. Specific Use

The most common mistake is using 'aves' when you simply mean any bird you see or hear. Reserve 'aves' for more formal or scientific contexts; 'pájaros' is the go-to for everyday birds.

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