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

Bobolink Population Trend in Montana

All statesGrassland birds

Bobolink in Montana has surged: up 926% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+926%Since 1970
74Routes In State
56Years

Notable Bobolink Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Bobolink has surged in Montana: up 926% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Bobolink Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Bobolink in Montana is projected to fall about 26% by 2029 — from 4.1 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.0 (95% range 1.4–4.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±40.6%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-26%Change by 2029
3.0Projected 2029 index
1.4–4.695% range
±40.6%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
20252.91.34.5
20262.91.34.5
20272.91.34.5
20283.01.44.6
20293.01.44.6

Bobolink Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Bobolink in Montana.
Raynesford4520242016
Lambert4320242021
Two Dot3520241976
Westby2820242015
Redstone2420241975
Oswego1620241978
Brusett1520241982
Ester Lake1320242015
Lindsay1220242015
Glasgow1020242002
Chuffey Spring1020232023
Sula920241986
Albion920231982
Saco820242015
Coleman Coulee820212017
Hehn Draw820242016
Harlem720211980
Shawmut720241985
Winifred 2720242024
Forsyth720231992
Webster720241978
Chinook720242015
Wolf Creek720192015
Augusta620241976
Circle620231969

Bobolink Population Trend in Other States

californiacoloradoconnecticutidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotautahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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