screech owl

or screech-owl

noun

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

screech owl

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

First recorded in 1585–95

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

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

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

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

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

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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