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

Golden Eagle Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Golden Eagle in Montana has edged up: up 12% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+12%Since 1970
77Routes In State
56Years

Notable Golden Eagle Trends in Montana

No notable trend signals for Golden Eagle in Montana. See the full index history below.

Golden Eagle Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Golden Eagle in Montana is projected to rise about 74% by 2029 — from 0.12 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.20 (95% range 0.05–0.36). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±55%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+74%Change by 2029
0.20Projected 2029 index
0.05–0.3695% range
±55%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
20250.200.050.36
20260.200.050.36
20270.200.050.36
20280.200.050.36
20290.200.050.36

Golden Eagle Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Golden Eagle in Montana.
Lima1220191995
Whitlash420182009
Cleveland320151986
Jordan320232016
Chinook320162016
Miles City320232019
Wheat Basin320192018
Harlem220021993
Polson220231982
Savage219951970
Ingomar220241968
Willow Creek219801972
St Xavier220062006
Powderville220221974
Glen220232001
Jordan South220242016
Roundup220182016
Greenough220001996
Libby Dam119971997
Kalispell119911991
St Mary120041985
Hay Lake120211990
Sunburst120021971
Virgelle120011983
Malta120051976

Golden Eagle Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoidahonebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaoklahomaoregonsouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwyoming

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