BirdAnalyst
Guild · Montana · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Wetland Birds In Montana

All statesMontana

22 species in this guild. As a group they are +45%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 29% by 2030 — from 3.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.6 (95% range 1.3–4.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±37.1%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-29%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
2.6Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
1.3–4.095% 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 →
±37.1%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 29% by 2030 — from 3.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.6 (95% range 1.3–4.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±37.1%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682030
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 →
20262.61.34.0
20272.61.34.0
20282.61.34.0
20292.61.34.0
20302.61.34.0

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 →
Black TernLaridae-85%
Common TernLaridae-83%
Red-necked GrebePodicipedidae-80%
California GullLaridae-61%
Great Blue HeronArdeidae-56%
SoraRallidae-36%
American DipperCinclidae-23%
Belted KingfisherAlcedinidae-23%
Pied-billed GrebePodicipedidae-14%
American BitternArdeidae-13%
Common LoonGaviidae-2%
Yellow-headed BlackbirdIcteridae-1%
Eared GrebePodicipedidae+15%
Virginia RailRallidae+47%
Double-crested CormorantPhalacrocoracidae+64%
Red-winged BlackbirdIcteridae+76%
Western GrebePodicipedidae+88%
American CootRallidae+107%
Franklin's GullLaridae+242%
American White PelicanPelecanidae+789%
Ring-billed GullLaridae+934%
Sandhill CraneGruidae19×

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.