BirdAnalyst
Species · Montana · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Dickcissel Population Trend in Montana

All statesGrassland birds

Dickcissel in Montana has surged: up 856% on the route-weighted index since 1994.

+856%Since 1994TrendPercent 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 StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
19YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Dickcissel 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 Dickcissel in Montana. See the full index history below.

Dickcissel Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Dickcissel in Montana is projected to rise about 214% by 2029 — from 0.08 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.25 (95% range 0.00–0.63). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±197.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+214%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 →
0.25Projected 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 →
0.00–0.6395% 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 →
±197.2%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, Dickcissel in Montana is projected to rise about 214% by 2029 — from 0.08 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.25 (95% range 0.00–0.63). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±197.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19892029
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 →
20250.230.000.61
20260.240.000.61
20270.240.000.62
20280.250.000.63
20290.250.000.63

Dickcissel Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Dickcissel 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 →
Hehn Draw1520182017
Webster720232006
Chuffey Spring720232023
Savage420212021
Albion320232012
Brusett320242012
Dinosaurs H.M.320182018
Brandenberg220001994
Miles City220222022
Custer 2220242024
Shawmut220062006
Lindsay120212021
Forsyth120231989
Lambert120242021
Malta120062006
Glasgow120242012
Roy119991991

Dickcissel Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascoloradodelawaregeorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamarylandmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvirginiawest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.