Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Pigeon in Spanish
Paloma · noun · pah-LOH-mah
The Spanish word for pigeon is 'paloma,' which also translates as 'dove.' Unlike English, which distinguishes between pigeons (urban) and doves (symbolic/peaceful), Spanish uses 'paloma' for both. A baby pigeon or squab is called 'pichón.' The word 'paloma' also appears as a popular female name and a famous cocktail.
Pronounced pah-LOH-mah with stress on the second syllable. All three vowels are clear and open.
Las palomas se juntan en la plaza todas las mañanas.
The pigeons gather in the plaza every morning.
Pigeon in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for pigeon, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| paloma | pigeon | pah-LOH-mah | Default, widely understood |
| pichón | pigeon | young pigeon/squab | |
| tórtola | pigeon | dove (specific species) |
How Native Speakers Use Paloma
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Urban observation
No alimentes a las palomas o van a seguirte por toda la plaza.
Don't feed the pigeons or they'll follow you around the plaza.
Common warning in city squares where pigeons gather, using the negative imperative.
Symbolic use
La paloma blanca es un símbolo universal de la paz.
The white dove is a universal symbol of peace.
Shows 'paloma' in its dove/peace symbolism, indistinguishable from the pigeon word.
Describing behavior
Un pichón cayó del nido y lo cuidamos hasta que pudo volar.
A baby pigeon fell from the nest and we took care of it until it could fly.
Introduces 'pichón' for a young pigeon, with a caretaking narrative.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Paloma
Trying to distinguish pigeon from dove
Incorrect: Vi un pigeon en la calle y una paloma en la iglesia.
Correct: Vi una paloma en la calle y una paloma en la iglesia.
Spanish doesn't have separate words for pigeon and dove — both are 'paloma.' Context (urban vs. symbolic) determines which English equivalent applies.
Wrong article with 'paloma'
Incorrect: El paloma estaba en el techo.
Correct: La paloma estaba en el techo.
Paloma is a feminine noun (la paloma), regardless of the bird's biological sex. For a male pigeon specifically, you'd say 'el palomo' (less common).
Lock in Pigeon Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Paloma used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using paloma in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Las palomas se juntan en la plaza todas las mañanas. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Pigeon in Spanish
- Is there any difference between 'pigeon' and 'dove' in Spanish?
- Spanish uses the single word 'paloma' for both pigeons and doves without distinction — the difference exists only in English, where 'pigeon' carries urban connotations and 'dove' carries peaceful or romantic ones, but Spanish treats them as the same bird.
- What is 'palomo' versus 'paloma'?
- The masculine form 'palomo' specifically refers to a male pigeon and is used mainly by breeders or in rural contexts, while 'paloma' serves as the generic/default term for the species regardless of sex, much like 'persona' works for all people.
- Is 'Paloma' used as a name in Spanish?
- Paloma is indeed a popular Spanish female name, symbolizing peace and gentleness, and it's also the name of a classic cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit soda that originated in Mexico.