screech owl

or screech-owl

noun

1. any of numerous small American owls of the genus Otus, having hornlike tufts of feathers, as O. asio, of eastern North America.
2. (not in technical use) any owl having a harsh cry, especially the barn owl.

screech owl

noun

1. a small North American owl, Otus asio, having ear tufts and a reddish-brown or grey plumage
2. any owl that utters a screeching cry

Word History and Origins

Origin of screech owl¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Only in one of the trees a screech owl, still under the impression that it was night, continued his curious wailing.

From Project Gutenberg

A little screech owl tuned up in the distance, a barn owl replied, and a great horned owl drowned both their voices.

From Project Gutenberg

A screech owl called and startled her; Tory had a sudden attack of nerves; running ahead a few yards, she stumbled.

From Project Gutenberg

They had on the right side of the head a thick tuft of screech owl feathers, the distinctive sign of the band.

From Project Gutenberg

He then declares that the disease is caused by a mere screech owl, which he at once banishes to the laurel thicket.

From Project Gutenberg