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

Short-eared Owl Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Short-eared Owl in Montana has held roughly steady: down 1% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-1%Since 1970
60Routes In State
52Years

Notable Short-eared Owl Trends in Montana

No notable trend signals for Short-eared Owl in Montana. See the full index history below.

Short-eared Owl Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Short-eared Owl in Montana is projected to fall about 68% by 2029 — from 0.73 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.24 (95% range 0.00–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±94.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-68%Change by 2029
0.24Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.195% range
±94.4%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
20250.250.001.1
20260.250.001.1
20270.240.001.1
20280.240.001.1
20290.240.001.1

Short-eared Owl Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Short-eared Owl in Montana.
Shawmut1520241982
Roundup720192019
Wheat Basin620242018
Brusett520242010
Two Dot520242015
Harlem420171987
Malta320181979
Leroy319941990
Roy320241993
Circle320151969
Flatwillow 2320142011
Jordan South320242024
Coleman Coulee320192018
Brunzell Slough320242024
Church Hill320242019
Clyde Park320242024
Hay Lake220171993
Virgelle220241979
Augusta220151979
Highwood220221974
Savage219921969
Flatwillow220081968
Ingomar220151979
Locate220241983
Willow Creek219811976

Short-eared Owl Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisiowakansasmarylandmichiganminnesotanebraskanevadanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonsouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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