Parrots and Use of the Word "Squawk" Where Transponders are Concerned.

"Squawk Ident" causes text to highlight in white on controller screen

While doing some surfing this morning (Sunday) I discovered this explanation in Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transponder_(aviation)

"The use of the word "squawk" comes from the system's origin in the World War II Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, which was code-named "Parrot".^[9][10] Parrot today generally refers to IFF only. The parrot check is generally done as part of the last-chance inspection at the runway, or after becoming airborne. Parrot sweet, and parrot sour are given, and the aircraft will have to abort in a real-world mission when sour, or face being attacked by friendly forces. Modern use of the word Parrot refers to a test transponder located at a fixed location off the radar facility. The parrot verifies range and direction accuracy of the radar facility.^{[citation needed]"}


Just thought you might be interested....
Thanks!