Chapter 3

                                                 THE HOUSE SPARROW


1.Which birds are most common in your locality? Name some of them.

Answer: In my locality, common birds include sparrows, pigeons, crows, mynas, and parrots.


2.Which of these birds do you like most and why?

Answer: I like sparrows the most because they are small, cheerful, and bring a sense of liveliness to the surroundings.


3.What qualities of sparrows do you like?

Answer: I like sparrows because they are friendly, social, quick, and adaptable.


4.Have you ever seen sparrows building nests? Where?

Answer: Yes, I have seen sparrows building nests on window-sills, doors, almirahs, and sometimes even in hanging curtains.


5.Why do sparrows prefer living near people?

Answer: Sparrows like to live near people because they find easy food and shelter, and feel safe among humans.


6.Which sparrow has a black patch on its throat?

Answer: The male sparrow has a black patch on its throat.


7.What do sparrows eat?

Answer: Sparrows eat grain, insects, tender shoots of plants, and are also fond of cooked food.


8.Where do sparrows build their nests?

Answer: Sparrows build nests on window-sills, tops of doors and almirahs, in holes, niches, roofs, and even inside folds of curtains.


9.Why do sparrows like to live with people?

Answer: Because they find food easily and can build nests safely near human habitation.


10.How many eggs does a mother sparrow lay at a time?

Answer: The mother sparrow lays three or four eggs at a time.


11.Sparrows love company. What evidence supports this?

Answer: Sparrows are always found in pairs, and several pairs can be seen together at a time.


12.Sparrows can sometimes be a nuisance. Why?

Answer: Though their chirping pleases us, they can be a nuisance because they sometimes make a mess or cause minor disturbances in homes.


13.Describe the color of a sparrow.

Answer: Sparrows are brown with white and black mingled on their back and sides, and they have a whitish front.


14.What is the meaning of the word 'tender shoots'?

Answer: Tender shoots are the soft, young, and delicate parts of a plant that sparrows like to eat.


15.What is a 'niche' as used in the lesson?

Answer: A niche is a small hole, crack, or corner in a wall or structure where sparrows can build their nests.


16.Are sparrows only fond of raw food?

Answer: No, sparrows also enjoy cooked food.


17.When does a sparrow give pleasure and when does it become a nuisance?

Answer: A sparrow pleases us with its chirping and lively behavior but becomes a nuisance when it makes a mess or disturbs our homes.


18.Describe the nesting habits of sparrows.

Answer: Sparrows build their nests wherever they can, such as window-sills, doors, almirahs, cracks, holes, niches, roofs, and even inside curtain folds.


19.Why is it important for sparrows to live in pairs?

Answer: Living in pairs helps sparrows mate, raise their young, and provide safety from predators.


20.Explain the appearance of a male sparrow.

Answer: The male sparrow has brown feathers mingled with white and black on its back and sides, a whitish front, and a distinctive black patch on its throat.


21.What is the significance of the pale greenish-white eggs of sparrows?

Answer: These eggs indicate the beginning of a new family and help sparrows raise several families in a year.


22Why do sparrows prefer to build nests in hidden or unlikely places?

Answer: Hidden or unusual places protect their nests from predators and harsh weather.


23.What do sparrows mainly feed on during summer?

Answer: They mainly feed on grains, insects, and tender shoots of plants, which are abundant during summer.


24.How does human habitation benefit sparrows?

Answer: Humans provide food and safe nesting sites, making it easier for sparrows to survive and reproduce.


25.Explain the word 'mingled' as used in the lesson.

Answer: Mingled means mixed; in the context of the sparrow, its feathers have colors mixed together.


26.What does 'nuisance' mean? Give an example from the lesson.

Answer: Nuisance means something that causes irritation; for example, sparrows sometimes make a mess in homes.


27.How many families can sparrows raise in a year?

Answer: Sparrows can raise several families in a single year.


28.Why do sparrows eat tender shoots of plants?

Answer: Tender shoots are soft, nutritious, and easy for sparrows to digest.


29.Describe the social behavior of sparrows.

Answer: Sparrows are social birds, often found in pairs, and they enjoy the company of other sparrows.


30.What makes sparrows adaptable to human habitats?

Answer: Their ability to eat a variety of food, build nests in small spaces, and live safely near humans makes them highly adaptable.


31.How does the chirping of sparrows affect humans?

Answer: Chirping is pleasant and lively, bringing joy to humans, though it can sometimes be irritating.


32.Why is the male sparrow's black throat patch significant?

Answer: It helps in distinguishing the male from the female and may play a role in attracting a mate.


33.Explain why sparrows are called 'house sparrows'.

Answer: Because they live close to human dwellings, often making nests inside or near houses.


34.Give two reasons why sparrows are considered beneficial birds.

Answer: They help in controlling insects and add life and joy to the surroundings with their chirping.


35.What challenges do sparrows face in urban areas?

Answer: Loss of nesting sites, pollution, and fewer natural food sources pose challenges for sparrows in cities.


36.What is the importance of sparrows in nature?

Answer: Sparrows play a role in controlling pests, spreading seeds, and maintaining ecological balance.


37.Why do sparrows eat grains and cooked food near humans?

Answer: Grains and cooked food are easily available near human habitation, providing a convenient food source.


38.Describe the color pattern of sparrows in your own words.

Answer: Sparrows are mainly brown with mixed white and black on the back and sides and have a lighter or whitish front; males have a black patch on the throat.


39.Why should we protect sparrows and their habitats?

Answer: Sparrows are important for ecological balance, controlling insects, and maintaining biodiversity; protecting them ensures a healthy environment.

Answer by Mrinmoee