On Fri, 15 Mar 1996, Eugene Hunn wrote:

> It could be as innocent as onomatopoeia. Like "Whip-Poor-Will" which
> really casts no aspersions on Will.
>
> Gene Hunn.

I have read that the name did come from the noise that Oldsquaws make,
but not by way of onomatopoeia. Apparently Oldsquaws are very noisy in
flocks, at least in or near the breeding areas, and the name came from
the idea that the ducks sounded like chattering (human) squaws.

Chris Hill
Everett, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu




> > On Thu, 14 Mar 1996, Janet Hardin wrote:
>
> > Connie Veldink forwarded the following:
> >
> > > I have a question - does anyone know the status of the name, Old Squaw?
> > > It occurred to me (just recently, I'm sorry to say) that this is a racist,
> > >sexist, and 'age-ist' name for a beautiful bird.
> >
> > Taking a cue from one of our Canadian brethren (I'm sorry I don't remember
> > who), I have already begun using "Long-tailed Duck" as being a much more
> > appropriate - in every way! - name for this bird. I noted a pair of LTDU in
> > my notes just today, seen on Port Townsend Bay.
> >
> > -- Janet Hardin
> > Port Townsend, WA
> > wings at olympus.net
> >
> >
> >
>