A scarecrow; constructed in the rice fields to frighten away the birds.
These devices are used mainly with the kintoman, or red rice crop, that is planted in February or March and harvested around August or September. The devices are less commnly used for the talon, or white rice crop, that is planted in September or October and harvested January or February. Various reasons are given for this difference in usage. One is that the rice birds appear to be seasonal; there are greater numbers of the birds in June, July, and August, than at other times of the year. Another reason is that the kintoman rice is the variety of rice originally grown in the area, while the talon rice is an imported variety. The kintoman rice is more highly valued than the talon rice, and greater care is taken in its cultivation. Another reason is that the grains of the kintoman rice are ‘heavier’ than the talon rice. No explanation was given as to what quality ‘heavier’ refers to.