The Wise Parrot — NCERT Solutions

A swarm of bees hovered around the flowers.

Explanation: The correct collective noun for bees is 'swarm'.

An army of ants is moving towards the anthill.

Explanation: The correct collective noun for ants is 'army'.

I helped my mother find a bunch of keys.

Explanation: The correct collective noun for keys is 'bunch'.

Given: The verb is 'visit' and the subject is 'I'.

Rule: Subject + have/has + past participle of verb

Since the subject is 'I', we use have. The past participle of 'visit' is visited.

Answer: I have visited Delhi many times. It is a city with many historical sites.

Given: The verb is 'draw' and the subject is 'She'.

Rule: Subject + has + past participle of verb (for third person singular — he/she/it)

The past participle of 'draw' is drawn.

Answer: My friend Onshangla is an artist. She has drawn pictures of ten monuments.

Given: The verb is 'buy' and the subject is 'Mr. Joon' (third person singular).

Rule: Subject + has + past participle of verb

The past participle of 'buy' is bought.

Answer: Mr. Joon has bought a new car.

Given: Two subjects — 'I' and 'my brother'. Verbs are 'complete' and 'revise'.

Rule: 'I' takes have; 'my brother' (third person singular) takes has.

Past participle of 'complete' = completed; past participle of 'revise' = revised.

Answer: I have completed my homework and my brother has revised for his test.

Given: The verb is 'write' and the subject is 'They' (plural).

Rule: Plural subjects take have. Past participle of 'write' is written.

Answer: They have written letters to their friends.

After escaping from the golden cage, the parrot decided to fly away to the deep green forest where it was born. Its wings, though a little stiff from being in the cage for so long, soon found their old rhythm. The cool breeze felt wonderful against its feathers.

As it flew over the treetops, it heard familiar voices calling out to it. Its old friends — the very parrots who had helped it escape — were waiting on the branches of a tall mango tree. There was great joy and celebration as the parrot landed among them.

'We missed you so much!' chirped one parrot.

'I missed you all too,' said the wise parrot. 'But now I am free, and I will never take my freedom for granted again.'

From that day on, the parrot lived happily in the forest. It taught the younger birds how to think cleverly and stay safe. Whenever any bird was in trouble, they would come to the wise parrot for advice. And the parrot always helped them — not with force, but with wisdom.

The merchant, though sad at first, soon understood that a bird belongs in the sky, not in a cage. He smiled whenever he heard parrots calling in the distance, knowing that somewhere among them was his clever, wise friend — finally free and truly happy.

Note: The pictures of bird feeders are referred to in the textbook. Based on common bird feeders made from easily available household materials, the following materials can be identified:

1. Plastic bottle — A used plastic bottle with small holes cut into the sides can be turned into a bird feeder. It is lightweight and easy to hang.
2. Coconut shell — A dried coconut shell can be hollowed out and filled with seeds. It is a natural and eco-friendly option.
3. Cardboard or paper cup — These can be used to hold seeds and grains temporarily.
4. Wooden plank or tray — A flat piece of wood can serve as a simple platform feeder.
5. Clay pot or earthen bowl — These can hold water or seeds for birds.

All these materials are easily available at home and can be reused to help birds find food.

Activity Instructions:

Materials needed: One empty plastic bottle, a wooden stick or pencil, a piece of string, seeds/millets/grains, scissors or a cutter (use with adult help).

Steps:

1. Take a clean, empty plastic bottle.
2. With the help of an adult, cut two small openings on opposite sides of the bottle, large enough for a bird to reach in.
3. Push a wooden stick or pencil through the bottle just below each opening — this will serve as a perch for the birds to sit on.
4. Fill the bottom of the bottle with seeds, millets, or grains.
5. Tie a strong string around the neck of the bottle.
6. With the help of your parents, hang it on a tree branch, balcony railing, or any safe outdoor location.
7. Check and refill it regularly.

Observation: Watch which birds visit your feeder. Note down their names, colours, and behaviour in your notebook.

This activity helps us care for birds and appreciate nature around us.

Here are interesting facts about two birds:

Bird 1: Flamingo

1. Flamingos are famous for their bright pink colour. They get this colour from the food they eat — tiny pink and orange algae and shrimp.
2. Flamingos often stand on one leg. Scientists believe they do this to keep warm and to rest one leg at a time.
3. They live in large groups called 'flamboyances' or 'colonies'.
4. Baby flamingos are born white or grey. They turn pink only after a few years.
5. Flamingos are found in India, especially in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, where thousands of them gather every year.

Bird 2: Weaver Bird

1. The weaver bird is famous for building one of the most skilfully woven nests in the bird world. It weaves its nest using grass, leaves, and twigs.
2. The male weaver bird builds the nest to attract a female. If the female does not like the nest, the male tears it down and builds a new one!
3. Weaver birds are found widely across India and Africa.
4. Their nests are usually hanging from the tips of tree branches, which keeps them safe from predators like snakes.
5. They are small, yellow-coloured birds and are often seen in large, noisy groups.

These facts show how unique and wonderful each bird species is. Learning about birds helps us understand and protect nature better.