But more likely the title Santa Maria della Colomba derives from the pigeon used to symbolize the annunciation of Mary 's pregnancy .
One tradition holds that the name Colomba or pigeon was attached due to a legend that a white pigeon had selected the site .
More likely the title Santa Maria della Colomba derives from the pigeon used to symbolize the annunciation of Mary 's pregnancy .
One tradition holds that the name Colomba or pigeon was attached due to a legend that a white pigeon had selected the site .