Static noise

maybe a cold heat shield or similar

 

like bisco said...

However, if your hearing static over your radio it's the spark plug wires.

 

There aren't any spark plug wires. The coils sit right on top of the plugs. OP didn't specify where this static sound was coming from. If through the info-tainment system (what have we done to the English language...) then there could be multiple sources. Floating ground comes to mind. If tuned to a radio station, FM and especially AM, and noises are heard, I would carefully unscrew the roof antenna, clean the mounting threads, and lube with a dielectric grease. If it is a ticking sound coming from under the vehicle, check for damaged or loose heat shielding. That would correlate with it being heard during the warm-up cycle. Above all, do some more investigating and report back.

 

Dubit, I identify wholly with your avatar, Dr. Strangelove. Really miss the comedic genius of Mr. Peter Sellers. We are living in a different time now altogether.

 

Something else occurs to me. OP states noise is heard upon engine acceleration when cold (first start the car) then disappears maybe after engine warms up. Sounds like a definite heat shield problem. If not, maybe a flow restriction in the catalytic converter? Is car sitting in Park when you hear this? Thinking about possible sources in engine/drivetrain in a 12 year old vehicle. I had a 2008 which only made the normal Prius noises up through trade-in at 200K miles. Maybe try to narrow down a location with hood open and someone else pressing on the gas.

 

Different time fore sure.

 

could be your clothing and the seat as you move your leg this time of year