BirdAnalyst
Species · Montana · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Spotted Sandpiper Population Trend in Montana

All statesShorebirds

Spotted Sandpiper in Montana has held roughly steady: down 10% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-10%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 →
83Routes 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 →
57YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Spotted Sandpiper 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 Spotted Sandpiper in Montana. See the full index history below.

Spotted Sandpiper Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Spotted Sandpiper in Montana is projected to rise about 96% by 2030 — from 0.33 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.64 (95% range 0.14–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±141.2%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+96%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 →
0.64Projected 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 →
0.14–1.195% 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 →
±141.2%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, Spotted Sandpiper in Montana is projected to rise about 96% by 2030 — from 0.33 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.64 (95% range 0.14–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±141.2%, with 80% 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 →
20260.640.151.1
20270.640.151.1
20280.640.151.1
20290.640.141.1
20300.640.141.1

Spotted Sandpiper Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Spotted Sandpiper 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 →
Arlee820251969
Philipsburg520222016
Roy419991996
Albion419861986
Painted Rock420221992
Westby420192015
Logan Pass420241980
Oswego320252006
Clinton320251975
Elliston320241968
Flatwillow319911978
Sula320241977
Ninemile320241994
Hebgen Lake320252017
Sunburst220061973
Malta219911987
Two Dot220251976
Locate219861986
St Xavier220102006
Brandenberg219701970
Beaverhead220251975
Thompson Riv220211993
Whitlash220092009
East Glacier Park220222017
Ester Lake220192019

Spotted Sandpiper Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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