The 'Pigeon's Tail Mate' is a chess checkmate variant very similar to the 'Swallow's Tail Mate'. In fact these terms are often used interchangeably. As with the 'Swallow's Tail' this mate is executed by a queen supported by another piece. The queen attacks the king diagonally. Another piece (often a bishop or a knight) protects the queen. The king's own pieces block its escape routes forming a V-shape.
The name 'Pigeon's Tail' also refers to the V-shape formed by the blocking pieces resembling a pigeon's tail.
This mate is valued for its geometric elegance and effective use of blockade. The main difference between the 'Pigeon's Tail' and the 'Swallow's Tail' lies in the line along which the king is attacked. In the case of the 'Pigeon's Tail' these are diagonals while in the case of the 'Swallow's Tail' these are files or ranks.
The mate is used to demonstrate the danger of restricting one's own king's mobility and the importance of coordinating attacking pieces.