How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Birds.
Quote #1
MELANIE: Just what is it you're looking for, sir?
MITCH: Lovebirds.
MELANIE: Lovebirds, sir?
MITCH: Yes. I understand there are different varieties. Is that true?
MELANIE: Oh, yes, there are.
MITCH: Well, uh, these are for my sister, for her birthday, see, and uh, as she's only gonna be 11, I, I wouldn't want a pair of birds that were ... too demonstrative.
MELANIE: I understand completely.
MITCH: At the same time, I wouldn't want them to be too aloof, either.
MELANIE: No, of course not.
MITCH: Do you happen to have a pair of birds that are ... just friendly?
Here's a great example of talking about sex while not talking about sex. This opening scene with the flirtation and building of sexual tension is what starts the plot in motion.
Quote #2
ANNIE: Oh, pretty. What are they?
MELANIE: Lovebirds.
ANNIE: I see. Good luck, Miss Daniels.
Lydia says almost the same thing—"Oh, I see"—when she learns that the birds Melanie brought to Bodega Bay are lovebirds. Both Annie and Lydia take the lovebirds as a sign or symbol of attraction. Of course, Melanie isn't quite ready to admit she's in love or lust yet. So, the lovebirds continue to be a way for everybody to talk about love in an indirect way.
Quote #3
MITCH: What about the letter you wrote me, is that a lie, too?
MELANIE: No, I wrote the letter.
MITCH: Well, what did it say?
MELANIE: It said, "Dear Mr. Brenner, I think you need these lovebirds, after all. They may help your personality."
MITCH: But you tore it up?
MELANIE: Yes.
MITCH: Why?
MELANIE: Because it seemed stupid and foolish.
Writing a letter and then tearing it up—a neutral observer might diagnose that as a crush. Of course, Melanie already tracked this random guy down and drove miles and miles to see him, so you probably already figured out she was pretty interested.