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Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Hairy Woodpecker Population Trend in Montana

All statesForest birds

Hairy Woodpecker in Montana has surged: up 467% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+467%Since 1970
56Routes In State
54Years

Notable Hairy Woodpecker Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Hairy Woodpecker has surged in Montana: up 466% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Hairy Woodpecker Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Hairy Woodpecker in Montana is projected to rise about 22% by 2029 — from 0.35 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.43 (95% range 0.25–0.62). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±13%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+22%Change by 2029
0.43Projected 2029 index
0.25–0.6295% range
±13%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
20250.410.220.59
20260.410.230.60
20270.420.230.61
20280.430.240.61
20290.430.250.62

Hairy Woodpecker Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Hairy Woodpecker in Montana.
Greenough520031995
Red Rock520231973
Painted Rock520191993
Noxon520232004
Hebgen Lake420232017
Clinton320241975
Chestnut320241971
Skalkho-Rye320222002
Maynard Coulee320242017
Libby Dam220241982
Logan Pass220241980
Elevation Mt220241995
Arlee220241969
Leroy219931993
Whitefish Lake220242017
Clancy220222017
Fish Creek220242011
Chuffey Spring220242017
Lima219961996
Kalispell120221971
St Mary120061986
Victor120171993
Threemile Wa120211993
Cleveland119931993
Cramer Creek120111995

Hairy Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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