Coo blimey

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]

Coo blimey

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]