30



L. F. Stockwell—Concerning Crows



service as scavengers, and for this reason a fine of 100 rupees is imposed

for killing one in certain cities.


Mr. Corvns is a disturber of the peace, for no sooner does the weary-

human lie down for a siesta in the heat of the day that the Crows make

their raucous voices heard in the veranda.


They are fond of holding committee meetings just outside.


I once saw a sort of Crow court-martial. About forty Crows stood

round in a circle, while three remained in the centre, representing the

judge, the complainant, and the accused. While the “ judge ” was

speaking the others kept silence, breaking out into a loud clamour at

the conclusion of the speech, as if debating what had been said. Then

the other two birds had their say.


Throughout, the “ prisoner ” looked most dejected, and once,

when the case seemed to be going against him, he rose and tried to

fly away. But immediately some of the others flew after him, and,

seizing him by the wing, brought him back to earth again.


Then followed a long and heated debate. The prisoner was evidently

found guilty, for, at its conclusion, they set upon him and tore him

to bits.


The Crow is not popular with other birds. He is greedy, and,

not content with keeping to his own hunting grounds, he likes to

snatch food from smaller birds. In spite of getting plenty of kitchen

scraps, he will fly off to share the Vultures’ feast. When the annual

flight of white ants takes place, as they come up out of the ground in

myriads, the Crows gorge on them, robbing smaller birds, lizards, and

frogs. When the silk cotton tree opens its large crimson cups, the

branches are soon full of big, black Crows, drinking up the nectar at

the base of the flowers and ruthlessly tearing them to bits. The ripe

red berries of the wild fig tempt the Crows to compete with other

creatures. It is amusing to watch the striped grey squirrels seize a

fruit and sit up to eat it, keeping a sharp look out for the Crows, who

chase them along the branches. Then the squirrels retreat with loud

angry cries, dropping their titbit.


The Crow is deservedly unpopular, for not only does he steal eggs

from nests, but often kills the little fledglings as soon as they are hatched.

Sometimes, when caught in the act, he is mobbed by other birds.


The pretty swallow-tailed King-Crows, as they are called, are



