Billing and Cooing

Malcolm and Molly found a snow-free place in the warm sun to do a bit of billing and cooing.  It is spring after all.  I was interested, as usual, on the origin of it.  This phrase originated sometime during the 1700s. Bill and coo are terms describing the behavior of doves and pigeons, known for their loving courtship rituals. “Bill” refers to the act of touching beaks, while “coo” refers to the soft, affectionate sounds they make.  Yep, that describes Malcolm and Molly perfectly!  Doves mate for life, 7-10 years.  You can tell them apart as Malcolm has bit more pink on his chest and hint of blue on his head.