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

Belted Kingfisher Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Belted Kingfisher in Montana has edged down: down 21% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-21%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 →
65Routes 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 Belted Kingfisher 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 Belted Kingfisher in Montana. See the full index history below.

Belted Kingfisher Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Belted Kingfisher in Montana is projected to fall about 26% by 2029 — from 0.23 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.17 (95% range 0.00–0.39). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±277.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-26%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 →
0.17Projected 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 →
0.00–0.3995% 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 →
±277.6%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, Belted Kingfisher in Montana is projected to fall about 26% by 2029 — from 0.23 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.17 (95% range 0.00–0.39). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±277.6%, 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 →
20250.180.000.40
20260.180.000.40
20270.180.000.39
20280.180.000.39
20290.170.000.39

Belted Kingfisher Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Belted Kingfisher 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 →
Fish Creek620241996
Highwood320221970
Flatwillow319751974
Sula320191977
Wise River320051994
St Mary220021970
Cleveland219891980
Greenough219951995
Augusta220171976
Elevation Mt220222022
Woodman220241968
Webster219811979
Willow Creek219811976
Reed Point220241977
Greenoagh 2220082008
Lima220241994
Libby Dam120131979
Kalispell120141969
Threemile Wa120061996
Cramer Creek120042004
Glen120231977
Glasgow119891969
Willow Creek 2120221983
Redstone120022000
St Regis120182013

Belted Kingfisher Population Trend in Other States

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

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