What is the English word for paloma?

The direct English word for the Spanish noun "paloma" is "dove," and in a more biological or literal context, "pigeon." Both translations are technically correct because Spanish does not make the same common distinction that English does between a white dove and a city pigeon; both are "paloma." However, the intended English word almost always depends on context. When "paloma" is used as a girl's name, in a poem, in a song like the famous Mexican ballad "La Paloma," or as a symbol of peace, the only appropriate English translation is "dove," because English reserves "dove" for the symbolic, pure, white bird. When "paloma" is used in a zoological or street context, like "paloma mensajera," the translation becomes "carrier pigeon" or "homing pigeon." The word shares its Latin ancestor "palumbus" with the English word "palpable" in no way, but it does give us the scientific name for many pigeon species. So if you are looking for a one-word answer to write on a translation flashcard, write "dove," and add a note that it can also mean pigeon when referring to the common gray city bird.