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

Osprey Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Osprey in Montana has surged: up 193% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

+193%Since 1971
42Routes In State
54Years

Notable Osprey Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Osprey has surged in Montana: up 193% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Osprey Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Osprey in Montana is projected to rise about 49% by 2029 — from 0.20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.30 (95% range 0.14–0.46). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±48.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+49%Change by 2029
0.30Projected 2029 index
0.14–0.4695% range
±48.6%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
20250.290.130.45
20260.290.130.45
20270.290.130.45
20280.290.140.45
20290.300.140.46

Osprey Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Osprey in Montana.
Jordan420241983
Clinton320241989
Reed Point320171998
Libby Dam220121984
St Mary220071970
Victor220192019
Hebgen Lake220242017
St. Mary 2220242009
Kalispell120241968
Logan Pass119891989
Cleveland120022000
Glen120242002
Willow Creek 2120241988
St Regis120172017
Arlee120221979
Augusta120212021
Woodman120182012
Elliston120172005
Boulder119781978
Inside Road120082003
Forsyth120152013
Sula120192014
Chestnut120182018
Laurel120212011
St Xavier120102006

Osprey Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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