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

Spotted Sandpiper Population Trend in Montana

All statesShorebirds

Spotted Sandpiper in Montana has held roughly steady: up 9% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+9%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 →
56YearsYears 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 82% by 2029 — from 0.36 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.67 (95% range 0.17–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±125.5%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+82%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
0.67Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.17–1.295% 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 →
±125.5%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 82% by 2029 — from 0.36 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.67 (95% range 0.17–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±125.5%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20250.670.171.2
20260.670.171.2
20270.670.171.2
20280.670.171.2
20290.670.171.2

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 →
Philipsburg520222016
Arlee420241969
Roy419991996
Albion419861986
Painted Rock420221992
Westby420192015
Logan Pass420241980
Elliston320241968
Flatwillow319911978
Sula320241977
Beaverhead320181975
Ninemile320241994
Hebgen Lake320242017
Libby Dam220241979
Sunburst220061973
Malta219911987
Locate219861986
St Xavier220102006
Brandenberg219701970
Thompson Riv220211993
Lima220241994
Whitlash220092009
East Glacier Park220222017
Ester Lake220192019
Freeman Creek220152015

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 2026-05-22.