A scarecrow is a human-shaped figure that farmers put in their fields to frighten birds away from crops. The classic scarecrow stands on a wooden post with outstretched arms, wearing old clothes stuffed with straw or hay, and often topped with a hat and a face painted on a bag or pumpkin. The idea is simple: birds see what looks like a person standing in the field and fly away, worried that the “person” might chase them or throw stones.

Scarecrows have protected crops for thousands of years, appearing in ancient Egyptian fields and medieval European farms. They work because crows, sparrows, and other birds can devastate a harvest by eating seeds or ripening grain. Of course, clever birds eventually figure out that scarecrows don't actually move, which is why farmers sometimes add shiny ribbons, bells, or moving parts to keep the birds guessing.

In stories and films, scarecrows often come to life as characters. The most famous is probably the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, who wrongly believes he has no brain but actually shows great cleverness throughout his adventures. The word scarecrow can also describe a person who looks thin, ragged, or poorly dressed, though this usage can be unkind.