Notes For All Chapters – Balbharati English Class 6
Autobiography of a Great Indian Bustard
1. About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
It is the heaviest flying bird in India.
It has more than 30 names in different Indian languages.
In Marathi, it is called “Maldhok” or “Hoom”.
It can weigh up to 18 kg and grow up to 4 feet tall.
It has a long white neck, brown wings, yellow legs, and a black cap.
The female (Mrs. Bustard) is smaller and slimmer with a different neck color.
2. Where It Lives and What It Eats
It lives in grasslands and deserts with animals like chinkara, blackbuck, and larks.
It eats snakes, lizards, small fruits, berries, and insects.
Grasshoppers and beetles are its favorite food.
3. How It Dances
During the rainy season, it gathers in grasslands away from humans.
It has a special feathery pouch that helps it make a “Hoooooom” sound.
It dances to impress its mate, puffing out feathers and lifting its tail.
4. How It Lays Eggs and Takes Care of Babies
It lays only one egg directly on the ground.
The egg looks like a stone to protect it from enemies like foxes, dogs, pigs, and snakes.
The chick stays with the mother for one year and learns good habits.
5. Why It Needs Protection
Dr. Salim Ali wanted it to be India’s National Bird, but the peacock was chosen instead.
It is the State Bird of Rajasthan.
It used to live all over India, but now 90% of its home is gone.
Only 200 are left in the world.
Hunters and electric power lines are major threats.
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