saw-whet owl

[ saw-hwet, -wet ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a very small North American owl, Aegolius acadicus, having streaked, brown plumage and lacking ear tufts.

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; allegedly so called because its cry was likened to the noise of a saw being whetted

The funny little saw-whet owl is one, and the snowflake, who loves to frolic in the snow, is another.

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