The Bodhisatta was once born as a parrot, named Poṭṭhapāda, and his brother was Rādha. They were brought up by a brahmin of Kāsī. When the brahmin was away, his wife admitted men to the house and her husband set the birds to watch. Rādha wished to admonish her, but his brother said it was useless and they must await the brahmin’s return. Having told him what had happened, the two parrots flew away, saying they could not live there any longer.

Rādha is identified with Ānanda (J.i.495 f). The introductory story is identical with that of the Indriya Jātaka (No.423).