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Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Kingbird Population Trend in Montana

All statesAerial insectivores

Western Kingbird in Montana has risen sharply: up 74% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+74%Since 1970
81Routes In State
56Years

Notable Western Kingbird Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Western Kingbird has risen sharply in Montana: up 74% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Western Kingbird Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Western Kingbird in Montana is projected to rise about 23% by 2029 — from 2.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.2 (95% range 2.0–4.4). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±15.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+23%Change by 2029
3.2Projected 2029 index
2.0–4.495% range
±15.3%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
20253.11.84.3
20263.11.94.3
20273.11.94.4
20283.21.94.4
20293.22.04.4

Western Kingbird Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Western Kingbird in Montana.
Circle3720231969
Forsyth2520231980
Custer2020222019
Miles City1920242015
Lambert1820242021
Brandenberg1420191968
Dinosaurs H.M.1420242018
Saco1220242015
Redstone1020241968
Church Hill1020242017
Custer 21020242024
Oswego920241978
Chinook920242015
Malta820241977
Lindsay820242015
Wheat Basin820242017
Willow Creek 2720241982
Virgelle620241979
Webster620241978
Powderville620241970
Glentana620242015
Cabin Creek620242018
Laurel520221968
Shelby520242015
Coleman Coulee520232017

Western Kingbird Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaslouisianamichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregonsouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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