60 BOMBAY DUCKS 



find out if it has a nest ; they count the days till the first 

 young sparrow flutters out on its untried wings ; they 

 pounce upon it and carry it to the nearest tree and 

 hold it under one foot and pick it to pieces, absolutely 

 callous to the shrieks of the parents as they flutter 

 round, distracted but helpless. 



Small wonder, then, that every tiny bird hates the 

 crow with all the hatred of which its little heart is 

 capable. The crows caused these flycatchers much 

 annoyance. I was watching them performing their 

 nursery duties on the second day after their chicks 

 were hatched, when a great black corby alighted in 

 the next tree. Both fantail flycatchers immediately 

 attacked it, screaming angrily. 



Their method of procedure was to make a series of 

 dashes at the back and tail of the crow, pecking at 

 it each time they approached. The crow did not 

 appear to mind this treatment very much. It took 

 it very philosophically. It, however, kept a keen eye 

 on its puny aggressors, and, now and again, tried to 

 seize one with its great beak, but they were always 

 too quick for it. The crow was looking about intently, 

 doubtless trying to locate the nest, for the conduct of 

 the fantails betrayed the fact that it was not far off. 

 In spite of the united efforts of the flycatchers, the 

 crow maintained its position. Presently it began to 

 caw. This brought up another " treble-dated bird." 

 The flycatchers then directed their attack against the 

 new-comer, leaving the first crow alone for a little. 



Both corbies now began to caw loudly. After the 

 gallant little flycatchers had made over fifty dashes at 



