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

American Goldfinch Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

American Goldfinch in Montana has increased: up 47% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+47%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 →
99Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
56YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable American Goldfinch Trends in MontanaNotable 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 Goldfinch in Montana. See the full index history below.

American Goldfinch Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, American Goldfinch in Montana is projected to rise about 27% by 2029 — from 1.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.0 (95% range 0.85–3.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+27%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 →
2.0Projected 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 →
0.85–3.295% 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 →
±17%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 Goldfinch in Montana is projected to rise about 27% by 2029 — from 1.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.0 (95% range 0.85–3.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17%, 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 →
20252.10.863.2
20262.00.863.2
20272.00.863.2
20282.00.853.2
20292.00.853.2

American Goldfinch Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording American Goldfinch in Montana.
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 →
Clinton1819731972
Laurel1420221968
Muddy Creek1420152015
St Xavier 21320232017
Clyde Park1220242018
Cleveland1020241979
Harlem1020211980
Reed Point1020241977
Wolf Creek1020222015
Westby920232015
Kalispell820241973
Twin Bridges819741968
Heart Butte820242015
Highwood720241968
Savage720191968
Two Dot720241976
Brandenberg720191968
East Glacier Park720242015
Redstone620241968
Flatwillow620081971
Augusta520241976
St Xavier520111980
Maynard Coulee520232018
Greenough520032000
Winifred 2520242024

American Goldfinch Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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