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

Franklin's Gull Population Trend in Montana

All statesWetland birds

Franklin's Gull in Montana has surged: up 184% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+184%Since 1970
33Routes In State
52Years

Notable Franklin's Gull Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Franklin's Gull has surged in Montana: up 183% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Franklin's Gull Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Franklin's Gull in Montana is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 7.5 (95% range 0.00–24). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±104.2%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-8%Change by 2029
7.5Projected 2029 index
0.00–2495% range
±104.2%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
20257.40.0024
20267.40.0024
20277.40.0024
20287.50.0024
20297.50.0024

Franklin's Gull Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Franklin's Gull in Montana.
Highwood90020161968
Virgelle36920241979
Ester Lake12820242016
Sun River10220242016
Malta8020211975
Lima5720041999
Great Falls3720241972
Boulder3019931970
Chinook2120242015
Glasgow2020241969
Harlem1820171968
Hay Lake1720172003
Wolf Creek1520182018
Roundup620242024
Wheat Basin620232023
Gildford520242017
Cleveland320242024
Greenough320032003
Augusta320122012
Circle319931993
Sunburst219981968
Leroy220242024
Beaverhead220151981
Red Rock220241980
St Mary119741972

Franklin's Gull Population Trend in Other States

californiaidahokansasminnesotanebraskanorth-dakotaoregonsouth-dakotautahwyoming

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