44 BOMBAY DUCKS 



the wing. Their method of securing a meal is simple. 

 It is to take up a position on the back of a cow, or 

 horse (far enough forward to avoid the swish of the 

 tail), on a bare branch, a railing, a telegraph pole, or 

 any other " rod, pole or perch " from which a good out- 

 look can be obtained. From this point of vantage they 

 make little sallies into the air after insects. It is at 

 this juncture that the king-crow's forked tail is useful ; 

 it is by no means a mere ornament; it is the bird's 

 rudder, and a most efficient steering apparatus it makes. 

 The aerial movements of a king-crow, its graceful 

 flight, its rapid turns, its elegant curves, compel ad- 

 miration. The chased insect has not the ghost of a 

 chance. 



Not long ago I witnessed a most interesting insect- 

 catching match at the Gymkhana Club, Madras, be- 

 tween the crows and the drongos. It was a case of 

 Gentlemen v. Players. The crows were the Gentlemen. 

 I use the word in its strict sporting sense. As to social 

 status, the crow is on a par with the professional card- 

 sharper, but as regards fly-catching he is an amateur. 



It was Sunday evening, when, the Gymkhana being 

 deserted by human beings, the birds were able to enjoy 

 themselves without let or hindrance. The king-crows 

 were perched on the white railings, while the crows 

 were on the ground inside the enclosure. The sun had 

 just disappeared below the horizon and insects in- 

 numerable were upon the wing. These were the 

 quarry. The king-crows won the toss and put the 

 crows in first. As an insect came conveniently near, a 

 crow made a dash at it and in most cases missed it, then 



