The story
First attested in 1821. Unknown, but probably of imitative origin (compare dialectal Italian squacco (“small-crested heron”) and English quack).
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
squawk
Today it means: A shrill noise, especially made by a voice or bird. If made by a bird, it typically signals discomfort or anger; a yell, scream, or call. Full definition →