The DICT Development Group

  Screech \Screech\, n.
     A harsh, shrill cry, as of one in acute pain or in fright; a
     shriek; a scream.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Screech bird, or Screech thrush (Zool.), the fieldfare;
        -- so called from its harsh cry before rain.
  
     Screech rain.
  
     Screech hawk (Zool.), the European goatsucker; -- so called
        from its note. [Prov. Eng.]
  
     Screech owl. (Zool.)
     (a) A small American owl ({Scops asio), either gray or
         reddish in color.
     (b) The European barn owl. The name is applied also to other
         species.
         [1913 Webster]

  screech owl
      n 1: any owl that has a screeching cry
      2: small North American owl having hornlike tufts of feathers
         whose call sounds like a quavering whistle [syn: screech
         owl, Otus asio]