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

Ferruginous Hawk Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Ferruginous Hawk in Montana has surged: up 238% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

+238%Since 1973
61Routes In State
53Years

Notable Ferruginous Hawk Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Ferruginous Hawk has surged in Montana: up 238% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

Ferruginous Hawk Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Ferruginous Hawk in Montana is projected to rise about 22% by 2029 — from 0.53 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.65 (95% range 0.39–0.90). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±27.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+22%Change by 2029
0.65Projected 2029 index
0.39–0.9095% range
±27.7%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
20250.610.350.87
20260.620.360.88
20270.630.370.89
20280.640.380.89
20290.650.390.90

Ferruginous Hawk Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Ferruginous Hawk in Montana.
Whitlash1020242009
St. Mary 2920242009
Hay Lake720221988
Malta620241988
Jordan South520212016
Powderville320241968
Glentana320242017
Coleman Coulee320212018
St Mary220081977
Virgelle220241979
Harlem220211980
Oswego220241983
Glen220232002
Bull Mtn.220162016
Augusta219861977
Brusett220172017
Shawmut220231987
Webster219921982
Beaverhead220241973
Gildford220192019
Sun River220182018
Miles City220212021
Brunzell Slough220242018
Lima220232023
Sunburst120071991

Ferruginous Hawk Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahokansasnebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregonsouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwyoming

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