Flathead facts for kids

The word Flathead or flat-head can mean many different things! It is used to describe groups of people, places in nature, amazing animals, and even tools and technology.

Let's explore some of the most common meanings of "Flathead."

People and Culture

The name "Flathead" is most famously connected with Native American tribes.

• Bitterroot Salish, also known as the Flathead people. They are one of the three tribes that form the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation in Montana.
• Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. This is a federally recognized tribe in the U.S. state of Montana.
• Choctaw. This is another Native American group from the southeastern United States who were also sometimes called Flatheads.

Places in Montana

Many places in the U.S. state of Montana are named "Flathead," mostly within a beautiful area known as the Flathead Valley.

• Flathead County
• Flathead Indian Reservation
• Flathead Lake, a very large freshwater lake.
• Flathead National Forest, a large protected forest area.
• Flathead River, a major river that flows through the region.
• Flathead High School, a school in the city of Kalispell.

Amazing Animals

Many different animals are known for their flat-shaped heads.

Fish

• Platycephalidae, a family of fish commonly called flatheads.
• Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), a large type of catfish found in North America.
• Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), a species of mullet fish found in coastal waters around the world.
• Flat-headed loach (Oreonectes platycephalus), a type of freshwater fish.
• Pseudaphritis urvillii, a fish also known as the freshwater flathead.

Other Animals

• Flat-headed cat, a small wild cat native to Southeast Asia.
• Flat-headed frog (Limnodynastes depressus), a species of frog found in Australia.
• Flat-headed kusimanse (Crossarchus platycephalus), a type of mongoose that lives in West Africa.
• Flat-headed myotis (Myotis planiceps), a species of bat found in Mexico.
• Flat-headed salamander (Desmognathus planiceps), a type of salamander from the United States.
• Flat-headed shrew (Crocidura planiceps), a small mammal found in Africa.

Technology and Tools

The term "flat-head" is also used to describe some common objects in engineering and technology.

• Flathead engine, an early type of internal combustion engine design. In these engines, the valves are located in the engine block next to the piston, instead of in the cylinder head above it.
• Flat-head screw, a very common type of screw. It has a flat top that allows it to sit flush with the surface it's screwed into.
• Flat-head screwdriver, the tool used to turn a flat-head screw.

Arts and Entertainment

The word "Flathead" has also appeared in music, movies, and video games.

• "Flathead" EP, a music collection by the Scottish band The Fratellis.
  • "Flathead" (song), a popular song from that EP.
• Flathead (film), an Australian movie released in 2024.
• The Flathead family, the name of the royal family in the classic Zork computer adventure games, like Zork Zero.