Buzz
While we’ve previously compiled a list of rarely-mentioned names for newborn animals, there are even more obscure terms to explore. Saying, "Look at that tiny squeaker," might not be the most endearing phrase for a baby pigeon, but it’s certainly accurate. Below, discover 10 more unusual and lesser-known names for young animals.
1. Baby skunk: kit
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Kits display early signs of their future fur patterns as they grow into adulthood. Their naked skin features markings that will eventually be covered by fur, offering a glimpse into their mature appearance. Interestingly, baby skunks can spray from birth, though their defensive spray is not as potent as that of adults.
2. Baby turkey: Poult
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After hatching, baby turkeys seek protection beneath their mother’s wings. If separated, they emit a distress call. Poults often move in an orderly single-file line when traveling.
3. Baby guanaco: chulengo
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Chulengos originate from the guanaco, a lesser-known South American member of the camelid family. Despite their relation to camels, guanacos lack the characteristic humps.
4. Baby rat: Pinkie
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The term "pinkie" typically refers to a baby rat intended as food, though it’s an endearing name. Snake owners often use this term to describe their feeder rats.
5. Baby Peafowl (commonly referred to as a peacock in its male form): Peachick
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Peafowls have been raised in captivity for over 2000 years, with the U.S. primarily housing blue (or Indian) peafowls. The term 'peafowl' encompasses both males and females, while 'peacock' specifically refers to males and 'peahen' to females. A peafowl is classified as a peachick only during its first year of life.
6. Baby oyster: spat
Courtesy of Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources
Long before a pearl can form, a spat must develop into a mature oyster. Typically in spring or fall, adult pearl oysters release their spawn into nutrient-rich waters, where fertilization occurs. It takes approximately one to two months for a spat to grow large enough to be seen without magnification.
7. Baby mosquito: nymph, wriggler, tumbler
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The name 'tumbler' for a baby mosquito has no connection to the blogging platform Tumblr. These tiny creatures, also known as wrigglers or nymphs, have inhabited Earth for over 210 million years. However, their lifespans are remarkably short, with males living less than a week and females surviving up to a few months in optimal conditions.
8. Baby frog: Polliwog, tadpole, froglet
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Baby frogs go through three distinct stages, each with its own name. Initially, after 21 days as an embryo, they are called tadpoles (or polliwogs), characterized by their long tails and aquatic lifestyle. Once they develop legs, they transition into the tadpole stage. As froglets, they are nearly mature, breathing with lungs but still retaining a small tail.
9. Baby eel: Elver
Courtesy of TakakoUno
The demand for elvers in Asia has driven their value to unprecedented levels. In February 2013, Maine's elver lottery saw only four fishermen out of 5000 applicants granted licenses to use hand-dip nets in the state's elver fishery, highlighting the intense competition and high stakes involved.
10. Baby pigeon: Squab, squeaker
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Parent pigeons usually conceal their offspring for about a month post-hatching to ensure their survival. This makes spotting a squab (or squeaker) quite uncommon, as they are nearly fully grown by the time they are allowed to venture out.
