A scarecrow is a figure, often made of straw or old clothes, placed in fields to deter birds and other animals from eating crops. Traditionally, scarecrows are designed to resemble a human, standing upright to create the illusion of a person in the field. They are commonly used in agriculture, especially in crops like corn and wheat.
Scarecrows have been a part of farming practices for centuries and can be found in various cultures around the world. In addition to their practical use, they are often featured in folklore and literature, such as in The Wizard of Oz, where the character Scarecrow seeks a brain.