Screech owls produce a number of different noises. The call that gives them their name is less a screech and more a spooky horse whinny.
Another call they make is a quick melodic puttering that is very hard to locate. When angered, mildly threatened or otherwise offended
they growl, like a miniature bulldog. Annoyed or quite upset, they will snap their bill making a little clapping noise. Some
argue this clapping is actually tongue-clicking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Screech_Owl

This is the species of owl that awakened Joe Pesci in his cabin in the woods in the movie "My Cousin Vinny". :)