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

Northern Shoveler Population Trend in Montana

All statesWaterfowl

Northern Shoveler in Montana has increased: up 43% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+43%Since 1970
62Routes In State
56Years

Notable Northern Shoveler Trends in Montana

No notable trend signals for Northern Shoveler in Montana. See the full index history below.

Northern Shoveler Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Northern Shoveler in Montana is projected to fall about 39% by 2029 — from 1.3 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.80 (95% range 0.00–1.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±110%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-39%Change by 2029
0.80Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.895% range
±110%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
20250.790.001.8
20260.800.001.8
20270.800.001.8
20280.800.001.8
20290.800.001.8

Northern Shoveler Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Northern Shoveler in Montana.
Westby6020242015
Hay Lake1720191989
Brandenberg1420191971
Wheat Basin1120242018
Winifred920232023
Glasgow819821969
Great Falls820231972
Ingomar720231974
Wolf Point720232023
Sunburst620071968
Malta620241975
Willow Creek 2620221990
Pablo Res.619981998
Virgelle520241979
Harlem420111987
Polson420061989
Two Dot420241979
Shawmut420241979
Beaverhead420191973
Chinook420232016
Glen320172000
Savage319791979
Forsyth320221980
Powderville320241972
Glentana320232016

Northern Shoveler Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradodelawareidahoillinoisindianaiowakansasminnesotamissourinebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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