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Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Thick-billed Longspur Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Thick-billed Longspur in Montana has surged: up 232% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+232%Since 1970
35Routes In State
56Years

Notable Thick-billed Longspur Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Thick-billed Longspur has surged in Montana: up 232% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Thick-billed Longspur Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Thick-billed Longspur in Montana is projected to fall about 54% by 2029 — from 6.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.0 (95% range 0.48–5.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±57.7%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-54%Change by 2029
3.0Projected 2029 index
0.48–5.695% range
±57.7%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
20252.90.365.5
20262.90.395.5
20273.00.425.5
20283.00.455.5
20293.00.485.6

Thick-billed Longspur Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Thick-billed Longspur in Montana.
Roundup16520242016
Maynard Coulee14320242017
Whitlash6420242009
Virgelle5320241979
Gildford3320242015
Augusta3220241976
Coleman Coulee3020232017
Harlem2020211981
Glentana1920242015
Glasgow1420242004
Oswego1420241978
Shelby1320242016
Dinosaurs H.M.1220242018
Hay Lake520221988
Chinook520232022
Twin Bridges419761968
Wheat Basin420172017
Two Dot319811976
Sun River320172017
St Mary219771968
Sunburst219871970
Malta219871980
Boulder219981969
Laurel219881988
Heart Butte220242016

Thick-billed Longspur Population Trend in Other States

coloradonebraskanorth-dakotawyoming

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