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 
