BirdAnalyst
Species · BCR 35 · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Montezuma Quail In Chihuahuan Desert

All regionsChihuahuan DesertGeneralists

Montezuma Quail in Chihuahuan Desert has declined: down 27% on the route-weighted index since 1987.

-27%Since 1987TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
7Routes In RegionSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
21YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable SignalsNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Montezuma Quail in Chihuahuan Desert. See the full index history below.

Montezuma Quail In Chihuahuan Desert Population Forecast

If the recent trend holds, Montezuma Quail in Chihuahuan Desert is projected to fall about 100% by 2028 — from 0.06 in 2023 to a central estimate of 0.00 (95% range 0.00–0.37). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±60.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-100%Change by 2028TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
0.00Projected 2028 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.3795% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±60.4%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Montezuma Quail in Chihuahuan Desert is projected to fall about 100% by 2028 — from 0.06 in 2023 to a central estimate of 0.00 (95% range 0.00–0.37). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±60.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19812028
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20240.020.000.39
20250.010.000.39
20260.010.000.38
20270.000.000.38
20280.000.000.37

Routes In Chihuahuan Desert

Routes recording Montezuma Quail in Chihuahuan Desert.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Bear MtnTEXAS22013
MarfaTEXAS22023
Capitan Mtn.NEW-MEXICO12017
Red RockNEW-MEXICO12013
PinonNEW-MEXICO12014
ValentineTEXAS11987
ToyahvaleTEXAS12001

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