BirdAnalyst
Guild · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Wetland Birds In Montana

All statesMontana

18 species in this guild. As a group they are +103%Guild trendA mean-index aggregate across the species in this group — the structural direction of the guild, with individual-species noise smoothed out.Full methodology → since 1970.

Guild SignalsNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for wetland birds in Montana. See the full index history below.

Wetland Birds In Montana Population Forecast

If the recent trend holds, Wetland birds in Montana is projected to fall about 15% by 2029 — from 1.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.00–2.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±31.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-15%Change by 2029TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
1.3Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–2.595% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±31.3%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Wetland birds in Montana is projected to fall about 15% by 2029 — from 1.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.00–2.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±31.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20251.20.002.5
20261.20.002.5
20271.30.002.5
20281.30.002.5
20291.30.002.5

Member Species In Montana

Wetland birds species in Montana.
TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
Common TernLaridae-83%
Red-necked GrebePodicipedidae-80%
Black TernLaridae-71%
Great Blue HeronArdeidae-57%
California GullLaridae-51%
SoraRallidae-36%
Pied-billed GrebePodicipedidae-27%
American BitternArdeidae-13%
Common LoonGaviidae-9%
Virginia RailRallidae+47%
Eared GrebePodicipedidae+49%
American CootRallidae+62%
Western GrebePodicipedidae+89%
Franklin's GullLaridae+184%
Double-crested CormorantPhalacrocoracidae+400%
Ring-billed GullLaridae11×
Sandhill CraneGruidae16×
American White PelicanPelecanidae18×

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.