We'll Eat Crow If You Don't Love These 10 Scarecrow Coloring Pages
Let’s play a little word association. Ready? When we say “scarecrow,” what comes to mind? If you’re anything like us, you’re thinking about pumpkins, hay, Halloween, seemingly endless fields, and definitely fall. You might even have rocked a scarecrow costume at some point. Thrifty farmers and green-thumbed gardeners know that scarecrows can serve as excellent protectors of crops — and were primarily used for that purpose before being phased out due to more efficient alternatives. That’s OK, though, because now that scarecrows have become a symbol of autumn, they’re more fun. Case in point? Our collection of scarecrow coloring pages that are practically guaranteed to get your kiddo pumped for everyone’s favorite season.
Plus, there’s so much that little ones can learn from coloring! While having fun with coloring activities, kids pick up much-needed kindergarten readiness skills like patience and following instructions. To them, coloring is just a super enjoyable DIY activity, but you can rest easy knowing they are also exercising key skills they’ll need to succeed in school. It’s a win-win.
When they wrap up these festive free printables, keep the creativity going with our camping coloring pages, farm coloring pages, sunflower coloring pages, owl coloring pages, tractor coloring pages, and caterpillar coloring pages.
Free Printable Scarecrow Coloring Pages
Scarecrow No. 1
Scarecrows don’t exactly seem like a “modern” invention. But just how old are they? The oldest scarecrow found is roughly 3,000 years old! Historians believe Ancient Egyptians might have first made scarecrows to protect their wheat fields.
Scarecrow No. 2
The Greeks also use scarecrows as a way to protect their vineyards. It’s said that old Greek farmers used to make their scarecrows to look like the son of Aphrodite and Dionysus. In stories about their son, Priapus, he’s described as incredibly ugly — one tale even includes that when he would go outside to play, he’d scare away the birds. Poor guy.
Scarecrow No. 3
You can find the first use of the word “scarecrow” in Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. That scarecrow will, of course, never be as famous as Dorothy’s scarecrow friend in The Wizard Of Oz. Interestingly, the actor who played the Tin Man — Buddy Ebsen — was originally cast as the Scarecrow. However, Ray Bolger became our beloved hay-stuffed friend when Ebsen swapped roles with him.
Scarecrow No. 4
When it comes to scarecrow stories and scarecrow usage, Germany’s scarecrows take the cake. German farmers fashion their scarecrows to look like witches. Superstitious farmers believe witches breathe in the winter air, thus making spring come faster. And although the scarecrow in this picture may not seem to be doing a very good job scaring crows, here’s another creepy straw of information to keep in mind: Crows are actually crazy smart! Based on body-to-brain proportions, some crows even have bigger brains than humans.
Scarecrow No. 5
Japanese farmers have historically been pretty clever with their scarecrow-building, hanging old meat and bones from their scarecrows (which they referred to as kakashis). Why? The disgusting smell keeps not just birds out of the field but pretty much all thieving creatures. Blech.
Scarecrow No. 6
The history of scarecrows includes some sadness, too. In medieval Britain, farmers employed young boys to guard their fields. They were tasked with running through fields — clapping blocks together and throwing stones — to chase birds and other creatures from the crop. Tragically, there just weren’t enough people for the job after the Plague decimated the population. So, farmers had to turn to scarecrows instead.
Scarecrow No. 7
Now those scarecrows have cheeky names, like Hay-man and Bwach, that vary from village to village. And, each year, the UK is home to numerous scarecrow festivals to celebrate the useful but creepy entities. But these celebrations aren’t just in Europe. In the town of St. Charles, Illinois, they have hosted a scarecrow festival each year for more than two decades.
Scarecrow No. 8
As a matter of fact, it’s a village in Britain that holds the world record for the most extensive collection of scarecrows. In 2014, more than 3,000 scarecrows gathered in Burton-upon-Trent to set the record.
Scarecrow No. 9
Burton-upon-Trent isn’t the only town with an abundance of scarecrows, though. Apparently, there’s a small village in Japan where scarecrows outnumber humans 10-to-1. There are 350 scarecrows, but only a recorded 35 human residents. Hopefully there’s never a scarecrow revolt — humans definitely wouldn’t win! Speaking of Japan, one of the oldest Japanese books in existence — which was written in 712 CE — mentioned a scarecrow named “Kuebiko.” It was a deity that couldn’t walk but knew everything.
Scarecrow No. 10
As we move into the future, humans and scarecrows will surely continue to “live in harmony.” It’s a pretty copacetic relationship, after all. Humans create scarecrows, and then scarecrows protect our crops! Want to make a scarecrow? Start with a broom for the body and a cross stick secured with rope for the arms. Then, dress him in some old clothes. You can use hay or your giant collection of grocery bags to help fill the clothes and bulk up your scarecrow.
Click here to print all of the scarecrow coloring pages at once!
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