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Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Red-naped Sapsucker Population Trend in Montana

All statesForest birds

Red-naped Sapsucker in Montana has surged: up 587% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+587%Since 1970
53Routes In State
56Years

Notable Red-naped Sapsucker Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Red-naped Sapsucker has surged in Montana: up 587% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Red-naped Sapsucker Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Red-naped Sapsucker in Montana is projected to rise about 40% by 2029 — from 0.61 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.86 (95% range 0.49–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±101%, with 0% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+40%Change by 2029
0.86Projected 2029 index
0.49–1.295% range
±101%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
20250.810.451.2
20260.820.461.2
20270.840.471.2
20280.850.481.2
20290.860.491.2

Red-naped Sapsucker Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Red-naped Sapsucker in Montana.
Swan Lake520242015
Chestnut420241969
Red Rock420241980
East Glacier Park420242015
Maynard Coulee420242017
Inside Road320241990
Sula320241977
Heart Butte320242015
Libby Dam220241979
St Mary220081971
Victor220231994
Greenough220031995
Elevation Mt220221996
Elliston220241979
Two Dot220161981
Fort Logan220242018
Whitefish Lake220242016
Greenoagh 2220112005
Greenoagh 3220242014
Thompson Riv220231993
Painted Rock220221992
Kalispell120241977
Logan Pass120241980
Threemile Wa120231993
Cramer Creek120182003

Red-naped Sapsucker Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoidahonevadanew-mexicooregonsouth-dakotautahwashingtonwyoming

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