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

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

Turkey Vulture in Montana has surged: up 105% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

+105%Since 1978
72Routes In State
43Years

Notable Turkey Vulture Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Turkey Vulture has surged in Montana: up 105% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

Turkey Vulture Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Turkey Vulture in Montana is projected to fall about 11% by 2029 — from 0.34 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.30 (95% range 0.10–0.50). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±24.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-11%Change by 2029
0.30Projected 2029 index
0.10–0.5095% range
±24.1%Backtest error
19752029
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
20250.280.090.48
20260.290.090.49
20270.290.090.49
20280.300.100.50
20290.300.100.50

Turkey Vulture Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Turkey Vulture in Montana.
Miles City720242015
St Regis620232005
Brandenberg620192000
Custer 2520242024
Wolf Point520182016
Jordan420182011
Albion420222000
Elevation Mt320222008
Reed Point320241978
Saco320172015
Chuffey Spring320222021
Bull Mtn.320191997
Libby Dam220241999
Threemile Wa220241998
Willow Creek 2220241985
Redstone220102010
Highwood220222022
Brusett220182009
Boulder220241975
Forsyth220162016
Fort Logan220182018
Red Rock220232019
Swan Lake220192018
Thompson Riv220222004
Lindsay220232023

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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