Coo blimey

[undyingking]

If you're in the UK, or most of the rest of Europe I think, you're probably familiar with the woodpigeon. It looks much like an ordinary (winged-rat) pigeon, but rather bigger (which gives it the impression of having a small head) and with a white patch on its neck.

It also has a very characteristic and recognizable cooing call, which is what this post is about. It's usually five notes, on a pattern of short-long-long short-long. But what is it saying?

Where I grew up in Essex, we were told that the woodpigeon says "My poor toe, Betty". But I don't suppose for a moment that that's universal. What did woodpigeons say where you grew up, or where you live now (and where is/was that)? Or were you unaware of any particular phrase being implied?

(Sorry, people from further away – but maybe you have some equivalent chatty bird you can tell us about.)

[Poll #1606323]

Comments

[floralaetifica.livejournal.com]

I was never told that wood pigeons say anything in particular. They just make a really annoying and slightly creepy 'hoo-hoooooooo' sound. Little bastards. There were millions of them where I grew up, and I always hated the sound.

There is some bird that according to my mother says 'A little bit of bread and no cheese'. I forget which one. One of the small garden birds, I think.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

See above! Although I have never really heard it say that.

[floralaetifica.livejournal.com]

Good grief, it's rare that venta's and my folklore intersect! Cornwall and t'North - might as well be different worlds.

[venta.livejournal.com]

A momentous occasion indeed!

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Apparently Enid Blyton is to blame for popularizing this version of the call, and I guess her baleful influence extended to pretty much all corners of the realm.

[floralaetifica.livejournal.com]

Ah. That would be it, then.

[mr-malk.livejournal.com]

Baleful! How very dare you!
That's some of my fondest childhood memories you're deprecating!