Squawk (sound)

Squawk (sound)

A squawk is a loud, harsh, screeching sound. It is often used to describe the noise made by certain animals, particularly birds such as parrots and chickens.

Etymology

The word "squawk" is an onomatopoeic term, derived from the sound that it describes. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century.

In animals

Many animals produce squawk-like sounds, but it is most commonly associated with birds. Birds squawk for a variety of reasons, including to communicate with each other, to warn of danger, or to express distress.

Birds

Birds that are known for their squawking include:

• Parrots: Parrots are perhaps the most well-known squawkers. They use squawking as a form of communication, both with other parrots and with humans.

• Chickens: Chickens squawk when they are distressed or in danger. The sound is often a signal to other chickens that there is a threat nearby.

• Seagulls: Seagulls squawk to communicate with each other, particularly during mating season.

In aviation

In aviation, a "squawk" refers to a four-digit code that is used by air traffic control to identify individual aircraft.

See also

• Animal communication
• Bird vocalization
• Onomatopoeia

References

Squawk (sound) Resources
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