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.

noun

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