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]