Dictionary
screech' owl"
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, esp. the barn owl.
Also,screech'-owl".Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.