NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies Looking Around(EVS): Chapter 16 — A Busy Month
This chapter, "Much Too Small," from NCERT's Class 4 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around,' is presented as a letter dated April 13, 1936, from Balmandir Bhavnagar. It describes the observations of birds in the afternoon, noting their nest-building activities, egg-laying, and feeding of chicks. The letter highlights the differences in nests made by various birds like the Indian Robin, crow, dove, sparrow, and barbet. It also touches upon the cuckoo's behavior of laying eggs in a crow's nest. The chapter encourages young readers to observe birds around them and discuss their findings, fostering an appreciation for nature and avian life.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 4 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around(EVS) |
| Chapter | Chapter 16 — A Busy Month |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 414 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify different types of birds and their nesting habits.
- Understand the process of nest building and chick rearing.
- Differentiate between the nests of various bird species.
- Appreciate the diversity of birds in the environment.
- Develop observational skills by studying local bird life.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nest | A structure built by birds to lay eggs and raise their young. |
| Chicks | Young birds, especially those that have recently hatched. |
| Binoculars | An optical instrument used to view distant objects. |
| Cactus | A succulent plant with spines, typically growing in arid regions. |
| Hedge | A fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs. |
| Cuckoo | A bird known for its distinctive call and for laying its eggs in the nests of other birds. |
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Practice questions
- What are some of the things used by the Indian Robin to make its nest? Answer: The Indian Robin uses soft twigs, roots, wool, hair, and cottonwool to make its nest.
- How is a crow's nest different from a robin's nest? Answer: A crow's nest is made of all kinds of things, including pieces of wire and wood, while a robin's nest is made of softer materials like grass, twigs, wool, and cottonwool.
- Which bird lays its eggs in a crow's nest? Answer: The Koel (Cuckoo) lays its eggs in a crow's nest.
- Where does the dove make its nest? Answer: The dove makes its nest among the thorns of a cactus plant or a mehendi hedge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 4 EVS Chapter 16?
The chapter focuses on observing and understanding different types of birds, their nests, and their behaviors, encouraging children to explore nature.
Which birds are discussed in the chapter 'Much Too Small'?
The chapter discusses sparrows, doves, sunbirds, Indian Robins, crows, and the Koel (Cuckoo).
What materials are mentioned for making nests?
Materials mentioned include grass, soft twigs, roots, wool, hair, cottonwool, and even pieces of wire and wood for crows.
What is special about the Koel's nesting habits?
The Koel does not build its own nest; it lays its eggs in a crow's nest, and the crow hatches them.
What is the purpose of the letter format in this chapter?
The letter format, dated 1936, aims to make the observations about birds more personal and engaging for young readers, as if sharing discoveries.
How does the chapter encourage learning?
It encourages children to observe birds around them, discuss their findings, and learn about avian life through direct experience.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 4 Environmental Studies — Looking Around(EVS) — Chapter 16 — A Busy Month. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.