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gallineta

moorhen

noun gah-yee-NEH-tah Rare
Animals & Nature Birds

Origin: Diminutive of gallina (hen), from Latin gallina.

Also means

woodcock

Usage Note

Gallineta is a common name for several different birds depending on the region: in Spain it typically refers to the common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), while in parts of Latin America it can denote a woodcock or snipe. Because regional usage varies, learners should check local context. The word is a diminutive of gallina (hen) and literally means 'little hen'.

Examples

"La gallineta nada entre los juncos."

Natural Translation

The moorhen swims among the reeds.

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