The Bodhisatta was once born as a marsh crow, named Vīraka, and lived near a pool. There was a drought in Kāsi, and a crow, named Saviṭṭhaka, finding no food, went with his wife to where Vīraka lived, and, becoming his servant, ate the fish that Vīraka caught in the pool. Later, Saviṭṭhaka, in spite of Vīraka’s warning, tried to catch fish himself and was drowned.

The story was told in reference to Devadatta’s attempt to imitate the Buddha. Devadatta is identified with the crow Saviṭṭhaka. J.ii.148 f; quoted at DhA.i.122.