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

Northern Waterthrush Population Trend in Montana

All statesForest birds

Northern Waterthrush in Montana has surged: up 592% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

+592%Since 1973
43Routes In State
53Years

Notable Northern Waterthrush Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Northern Waterthrush has surged in Montana: up 591% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

Northern Waterthrush Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Northern Waterthrush in Montana is projected to rise about 36% by 2029 — from 0.82 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.1 (95% range 0.50–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±27.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+36%Change by 2029
1.1Projected 2029 index
0.50–1.795% range
±27.6%Backtest error
19702029
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
20251.10.461.7
20261.10.471.7
20271.10.481.7
20281.10.491.7
20291.10.501.7

Northern Waterthrush Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Northern Waterthrush in Montana.
East Glacier Park1820242015
Sula720241977
Logan Pass620241980
Elliston620241972
St. Mary 2620242009
Whitefish Lake520242018
Wise River520241998
Inside Road420241990
Swan Lake420242017
Ninemile320241995
Libby Dam220241979
St Mary220081977
Threemile Wa219931993
Arlee220241972
Augusta220221978
Thompson Riv220222014
Pagil Gulch220212015
Clyde Park220222018
Painted Rock220221993
Kalispell120231970
Victor120061997
Cramer Creek120082008
Glen120101977
Willow Creek 2120162013
Greenough120042002

Northern Waterthrush Population Trend in Other States

alaskaconnecticutidahomainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiopennsylvaniarhode-islandvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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