The Bodhisatta was once born as a marsh crow, named Víraka, and lived near a pool. There was a drought in Kási, and a crow, named Savitthaka, finding no food, went with his wife to where Víraka lived, and, becoming his servant, ate of the fishes which Víraka caught in the pool. Later, Savitthaka, in spite of Víraka'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 Savitthaka. J.ii.148 L; quoted at DhA.i.122.