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Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Sprague's Pipit Population Trend in Montana

All statesGrassland birds

Sprague's Pipit in Montana has surged: up 141% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+141%Since 1970
44Routes In State
53Years

Notable Sprague's Pipit Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Sprague's Pipit has surged in Montana: up 141% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Sprague's Pipit Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Sprague's Pipit in Montana is projected to rise about 60% by 2029 — from 0.54 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.86 (95% range 0.14–1.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±50.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+60%Change by 2029
0.86Projected 2029 index
0.14–1.695% range
±50.3%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
20250.830.111.6
20260.840.121.6
20270.850.131.6
20280.860.131.6
20290.860.141.6

Sprague's Pipit Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Sprague's Pipit in Montana.
Oswego620241978
Ester Lake620242015
Maynard Coulee620242017
Whitlash620242009
Redstone520241983
Wolf Creek520222015
Saco420242015
Malta320221990
Two Dot320241977
Chinook320212015
Glentana320242015
Roundup320242017
Wheat Basin320192017
St Mary220081968
Reed Point219961980
Shelby220172016
Gildford220182016
Westby220242015
Raynesford220192016
Dinosaurs H.M.220222018
Lindsay220172017
Muddy Creek220152015
Hay Lake120192015
Sunburst120061988
Virgelle120151997

Sprague's Pipit Population Trend in Other States

minnesotanorth-dakotasouth-dakotawyoming

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