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

Pinyon Jay Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Pinyon Jay in Montana has collapsed: down 90% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

-90%Since 1971
15Routes In State
53Years

Notable Pinyon Jay Trends in Montana

long arc declinecomputed index

Pinyon Jay has collapsed in Montana: down 90% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Pinyon Jay Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Pinyon Jay in Montana is projected to rise about 14% by 2029 — from 0.09 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.11 (95% range 0.00–0.84). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±357.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+14%Change by 2029
0.11Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.8495% range
±357.1%Backtest error
19692029
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
20250.140.000.87
20260.130.000.86
20270.120.000.85
20280.110.000.84
20290.110.000.84

Pinyon Jay Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Pinyon Jay in Montana.
Willow Creek1119801972
Reed Point920191977
Custer 2820242024
Two Dot519961980
Willow Creek 2420211988
Brusett319891983
Forsyth220081980
Laurel220221994
Brandenberg220061971
Jordan220111971
Boulder220231969
Pryor Mtn.120192005
Bull Mtn.120161995
Leroy120131991
Shawmut120182004

Pinyon Jay Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahonebraskanevadanew-mexicooregonsouth-dakotautahwyoming

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