Spanish Word of the Day: Ardilla (squirrel)

The word ardilla (squirrel) comes from the Latin word ardere, which means to burn. It’s believed that the word was given to the ardilla because of the energy and speed with which these cute and furry animals move.

Ardilla is a feminine noun and takes the following definite and indefinite articles:

• la ardilla = the squirrel
• las ardillas = the squirrels
• una ardilla = a squirrel
• unas ardillas = some squirrels

Ardillas, sometimes known are techalotes, are small mamíferos (mammals) with colas tupidas (bushy tails) and garras afiladas (sharp claws). They typically have grey, black, brown, or reddish fur. There are many types of squirrels such as grey squirrels, red squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. 

Here are some types of ardillas de árbol (tree squirrels):

• ardilla gris = Gray Squirrel: from North America
• ardilla roja = Red Squirrel: from Europe and North America
• ardilla zorro = Fox Squirrel: found in open woodlands

Here are some types of ardillas de terrestres (ground squirrels):

• ardilla terrestre de California = California Ground Squirrel: found in the western United States
• ardilla terrestre de Europa = European Ground Squirrel: found in parts of Europe and Asia
• ardillas enanas = Dwarf Squirrels: found in tropical forests of Africa and Asia

Lastly, here are some types of ardillas voladoras (flying squirrels):

• ardilla voladora gigante japonesa = Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel: found in tropical forests of Africa and Asia
• ardilla voladora del norte: = Northern Flying Squirrel: Found in tropical forests of Africa and Asia
• ardilla voladora del sur = Southern Flying Squirrel: Found in North America, smaller sized

These creatures are known for their movimientos ágiles (agile movements). They can easily climb trees and jump between branches. Some can even deslizarse (glide) so well that it looks like they are flying. Their sharp claws help them grasp onto surfaces. 

Fun Fact:

Although we refer to them as ardillas voladoras (flying squirrels), they don’t actually fly. They are ardillas planeadoras (glider squirrels). This means they can glide from tree to tree using a special membrane called a patagio (patagium) that stretches from their wrists to their ankles. This allows them to glide gracefully through the air and make it look like they are flying.

They can glide for distances of up to 45 meters (150 feet) or more in a single leap!

Ardillas belong to the familia de roedores (rodent family) and can be found in various hábitats (habitats) worldwide. They can adapt quickly so you can find them in parks, forests, urban areas, and deserts. They build nidos (nests) called dreys in trees. These nests are made from musgo (moss), hojas (leaves), and palitos (twigs).

Ardillas are omnívoros (omnivores), meaning they can eat both animals and plants. The majority of their dieta (diet) includes semillas (seeds), nueces (nuts), and fruta (fruits). They also eat insects, birds, fungi, and eggs. If they have leftover food, they take it to hidden spots and return to eat it later.

Fun Fact:

Ardillas have excellent vista (eyesight) and a keen sentido de olfato (sense of smell). This helps them find food quickly and detect predators. 

They communicate by using clicks, chirps, and tail movements.

Some ardillas hibernan (hibernate) in winter, while others stay active and rely on stored food.

Female ardillas give birth to 2-8 babies called kits or kittens. In Spanish, they are referred to simply as bebés (babies) or cría (breed). They are born blind and hairless, so they rely on their mother for protection and milk for a few months before they go off exploring on their own.

Ardillas are often seen in parks and demonstrate playful behaviour. However, because of human interaction, some squirrels develop a habit of asking for or stealing food. Sometimes squirrels are considered a peste (pest) because they chew on wires, eat people’s fruits and vegetables, and raid bird feeders.

Spanish idioms featuring ‘ardilla’