screech owl

US /ˈskriːtʃ aʊl/

UK /ˈskriːtʃ aʊl/

a small North American owl (genus Megascops) that has ear tufts and a tremulous, mournful call

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We heard the distinctive call of a screech owl in the woods at dusk.

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The small screech owl blended perfectly with the tree bark.