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Species · Montana · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

White-crowned Sparrow Population Trend in Montana

All statesGeneralists

White-crowned Sparrow in Montana has risen sharply: up 70% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+70%Since 1970
40Routes In State
56Years

Notable White-crowned Sparrow Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

White-crowned Sparrow has risen sharply in Montana: up 70% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

White-crowned Sparrow Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, White-crowned Sparrow in Montana is projected to fall about 21% by 2029 — from 3.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.5 (95% range 0.95–4.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±21.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-21%Change by 2029
2.5Projected 2029 index
0.95–4.195% range
±21.5%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
20252.50.914.1
20262.50.924.1
20272.50.934.1
20282.50.944.1
20292.50.954.1

White-crowned Sparrow Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording White-crowned Sparrow in Montana.
Red Rock6520241973
Hebgen Lake3720242017
Chestnut3320241968
Beaverhead3320241973
East Glacier Park1920242015
Logan Pass1520241980
St. Mary 21520242009
Sula1220241977
Maynard Coulee1220242017
Skalkaho1219981992
St Mary1020081971
Heart Butte820242015
Skalkho-Rye620221999
Brunzell Slough620242016
Pryor Mtn.420241995
Elliston420241968
Painted Rock419981992
Wise River420241993
Lima420241994
St Regis319781978
Cleveland220011979
Redstone219701970
Arlee220171973
Woodman220151980
Powderville219681968

White-crowned Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradoidahonevadanew-mexicooregonutahwashingtonwyoming

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