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 
