A greedy crow, dissatisfied with the fish from the Gaṅgā, flew to the Himavā and there, seeing two golden-coloured geese (cakkavāka), asked what they fed on that they should be so beautiful. The geese replied that not food but character made people comely; the crow was too greedy ever to be beautiful.

The story was told in reference to a greedy monk who went from house to house in search of dainty food, frequenting the dwellings of the rich. The monk is identified with the crow. J.iii.520-4; cf. Kāka Jātaka.