Birds have significant roles in the Ramayana. The epic progresses because of birds at crucial moments, such as the abduction of Sita by Ravana. Jatayu, Sampati and Garuda are vital for our receiving the Ramayana as it is now available to us. Were the two vulture-brothers, Sampati and Jatayu indeed vultures? Or, were they a superior race of warriors who had vultures as their totems? Krauncha, the crane in distress at the death of its beloved companion,...