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

Willet Population Trend in Montana

All statesShorebirds

Willet in Montana has surged: up 537% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

+537%Since 1971
46Routes In State
55Years

Notable Willet Trends in Montana

long arc increasecomputed index

Willet has surged in Montana: up 537% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Willet Population Forecast in Montana

If the recent trend holds, Willet in Montana is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.69 (95% range 0.15–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±14.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+5%Change by 2029
0.69Projected 2029 index
0.15–1.295% range
±14.2%Backtest error
19692029
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
20250.670.131.2
20260.680.141.2
20270.680.141.2
20280.690.151.2
20290.690.151.2

Willet Survey Routes in Montana

Routes recording Willet in Montana.
Highwood920171999
Beaverhead820241973
Westby820242015
Virgelle620241979
Ester Lake620242015
Ingomar520241988
Chinook520242015
Cleveland420231985
Great Falls420231972
Roundup420242016
Harlem320211980
Malta320231975
Polson319941994
Lima319991999
Sunburst220051971
Oswego220241978
Redstone220241969
Roy220231993
Flatwillow 2220182018
Red Rock220081974
East Glacier Park220182018
Sun River220232016
Wheat Basin220232017
St. Mary 2220242010
Whitlash220232009

Willet Population Trend in Other States

alabamacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridaidaholouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsminnesotanebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaoregonsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatexasutahvirginiawyoming

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