Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024
Merlin Population Trend in Montana
Merlin in Montana has declined: down 47% on the route-weighted index since 1981.
-47%Since 1981
26Routes In State
24Years
Notable Merlin Trends in Montana
No notable trend signals for Merlin in Montana. See the full index history below.
Merlin Population Forecast in Montana
If the recent trend holds, Merlin in Montana is projected to fall about 62% by 2029 — from 0.07 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.03 (95% range 0.00–0.08). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±54.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.
-62%Change by 2029
0.03Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.0895% range
±54.7%Backtest error
| Year | Projected index | 95% low | 95% high |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.08 |
| 2026 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.08 |
| 2027 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.08 |
| 2028 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.08 |
| 2029 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 0.08 |
Merlin Survey Routes in Montana
| Cleveland | 3 | 1991 | 1982 |
| Libby Dam | 2 | 1986 | 1981 |
| Glasgow | 2 | 1995 | 1995 |
| Ingomar | 2 | 2024 | 2008 |
| Forsyth | 2 | 2022 | 2017 |
| St Mary | 1 | 1993 | 1991 |
| Hay Lake | 1 | 2014 | 2014 |
| Harlem | 1 | 2004 | 2004 |
| Glen | 1 | 2008 | 2008 |
| Willow Creek 2 | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Redstone | 1 | 2016 | 1969 |
| Bull Mtn. | 1 | 2009 | 1997 |
| Polson | 1 | 1993 | 1993 |
| Augusta | 1 | 2003 | 2003 |
| Two Dot | 1 | 2005 | 2005 |
| Flatwillow | 1 | 1999 | 1999 |
| Locate | 1 | 2016 | 2003 |
| Laurel | 1 | 2004 | 1996 |
| Brandenberg | 1 | 1991 | 1991 |
| Powderville | 1 | 2017 | 1971 |
| Heart Butte | 1 | 2024 | 2024 |
| Dinosaurs H.M. | 1 | 2018 | 2018 |
| Philipsburg | 1 | 2016 | 2016 |
| Maynard Coulee | 1 | 2024 | 2024 |
| Pablo Res. | 1 | 2024 | 2024 |
Merlin Population Trend in Other States
Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.