BirdAnalyst
Species · BCR 10 · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

American Bittern In Northern Rockies

All regionsNorthern RockiesWetland birds

American Bittern in Northern Rockies has declined: down 40% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-40%Since 1970TrendPercent 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 →
17Routes In RegionSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
47YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable 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 American Bittern in Northern Rockies. See the full index history below.

American Bittern In Northern Rockies Population Forecast

If the recent trend holds, American Bittern in Northern Rockies is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.00 (95% range 0.00–0.13). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±124.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange 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 →
0.00Projected 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 →
0.00–0.1395% 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 →
±124.3%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, American Bittern in Northern Rockies is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.00 (95% range 0.00–0.13). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±124.3%, 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 →
20250.000.000.13
20260.000.000.13
20270.000.000.13
20280.000.000.13
20290.000.000.13

Routes In Northern Rockies

Routes recording American Bittern in Northern Rockies.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
KalispellMONTANA22024
RandolphUTAH22024
CodyWYOMING21991
Mtn ViewWYOMING21994
Patrick Draw 2WYOMING21982
LayCOLORADO12000
NaplesIDAHO12023
St MaryMONTANA11995
BeaverheadMONTANA12024
Pablo Res.MONTANA11995
Silver CreekOREGON12018
Patrick DrawWYOMING11979
MammothWYOMING11997
Hunter PeakWYOMING12010
LovellWYOMING12004
DiamondvilleWYOMING11980
Green RiverWYOMING11982

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