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Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Black-capped Chickadee Population Trend in Montana

All statesForest birds

Black-capped Chickadee in Montana has risen sharply: up 72% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+72%Since 1970
76Routes In State
56Years

Notable Black-capped Chickadee Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Black-capped Chickadee has risen sharply in Montana: up 72% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Black-capped Chickadee Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Black-capped Chickadee in Montana is projected to rise about 63% by 2029 — from 1.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.3 (95% range 1.1–3.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±44.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+63%Change by 2029
2.3Projected 2029 index
1.1–3.595% range
±44.4%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20252.21.03.4
20262.21.03.4
20272.21.03.5
20282.31.03.5
20292.31.13.5

Black-capped Chickadee Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Black-capped Chickadee in Montana.
Pagil Gulch1720242015
Libby Dam920241979
Ninemile920241993
Chuffey Spring920232017
Woodman820241968
Pablo Res.720231998
Kalispell620241971
Cramer Creek620192003
Greenough620021995
Fish Creek620241995
Skalkaho619981992
Clyde Park620242018
Arlee520241968
Inside Road520241990
Clancy520232015
Bull Mtn.520211995
Threemile Wa420241993
Highwood420241971
Chestnut420241968
Reed Point420241978
Whitefish Lake420242016
Wise River420221994
Cleveland320171981
Jordan320181988
Forsyth320231988

Black-capped Chickadee Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutidahoillinoisindianaiowakansasmainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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