- any of numerous small American owls of the genus Otus, having hornlike tufts of feathers, as O. asio, of eastern North America.
- (not in technical use) any owl having a harsh cry, especially the barn owl.
- a small North American owl, Otus asio, having ear tufts and a reddish-brown or grey plumage
- any owl that utters a screeching cry
