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Species · Montana · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Red-headed Woodpecker Population Trend in Montana

All statesForest birds

Red-headed Woodpecker in Montana has edged up: up 20% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+20%Since 1970TrendPercent 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 →
20Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
36YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Red-headed Woodpecker Trends in MontanaNotable 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 Red-headed Woodpecker in Montana. See the full index history below.

Red-headed Woodpecker Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Red-headed Woodpecker in Montana is projected to fall about 82% by 2030 — from 0.24 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±76.6%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-82%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
0.04Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.1695% 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 →
±76.6%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, Red-headed Woodpecker in Montana is projected to fall about 82% by 2030 — from 0.24 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±76.6%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682030
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 →
20260.050.000.17
20270.040.000.17
20280.040.000.17
20290.040.000.16
20300.040.000.16

Red-headed Woodpecker Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Red-headed Woodpecker in Montana.
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 →
Brandenberg1420251968
Clinton319721972
Wolf Point320242023
Cabin Creek320232023
Powderville220251974
Brusett120231987
Jordan119821982
Circle119801980
Savage120041997
Flatwillow119861982
Forsyth120161992
Webster119891989
St Xavier119961979
Albion120251982
Chinook120212021
Lambert120222022
Maynard Coulee120242019
Miles City120252025
Clyde Park120252025
Chuffey Spring120252017

Red-headed Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamarylandmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.