This is the female of the Screech owl pair i have been photographing. Many folks prefer the male because of his whiter color which is somewhat of an anomaly in my experience. I actually love them both equally. It's just like children. You say you love them both the same, but in reality, you know one is an asshole and you want to just smack 'em. But you have to say you love them both the same or you will be chastised by your friends.
It is a great word! I'm always surprised it doesn't get used more.