We use the best available science to ensure the survival of Montana's birds and other wildlife.
Birding is one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in the United States. Ask any birder and they will be able to tell you why: the enjoyment that comes from being outdoors, the satisfaction of learning about the natural world, and the pleasure of seeing an unexpected flash of color in the trees. Here we provide statewide information on where to see birds, how to find out what other birders are seeing, and more.
Montana Audubon and local Audubon chapters have put out “birding hotspots” maps and checklists for numerous locations around the state. Below you can access the current hotspots publications or websites. Be sure to check out the websites to find more detailed information and checklists.
The 2018 edition of the Checklist of Montana Birds is based on current bird distribution data. The state bird list is a cooperative project between the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Montana Audubon; the Montana Natural Heritage Program; and the Montana Bird Records Committee. Hard copies will be available free of charge at all FWP regional offices and the Helena headquarters, or you can download a copy below.
Find more information and checklists at the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society website!
Find more information and checklists at the Bitterroot Valley Audubon Society website!
Find more information and checklists at the Sacajawea Audubon Society website!
Find more information on the Central Montana website!
Find more information and checklists at the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society website!
Find more information and checklists at the Last Chance Audubon Society website!
Find more information and checklists at the Flathead Valley Audubon Society website!
Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area Birding Trails
Find more information on how to visit and a checklist at the Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area StoryMap, on the Montana FWP website!
Find more information on the Glacier National Park website!
Check out the Upper Missouri Breaks Facebook page!
Find more information and checklists at the Five Valleys Audubon Society website!
A great way to keep year-round track of your bird lists and contribute bird data for science! On this site, you can access a great deal of Montana-specific bird information about species, recent checklists, local hotspots and links to data collected by thousands of other eBirders across the state. In addition, photos from local birders, sightings of uncommon birds and Montana Audubon’s news feed can easily be found there.
Long-term conservation of birds and their habitats is a major goal of Montana Audubon. Central to this goal is the Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program which is a global initiative to identify, monitor, and protect a network of sites critical for the conservation of birds. Since 1995, the National Audubon Society has taken the lead in implementing the IBA Program in the US, and Montana Audubon administers the program in Montana.
Find more information on the Southwest Montana website!
Find more information on the Yellowstone National Park website!
A bird list for a specific area in Montana can be developed by:
> Individual QQLL Reference Maps. Detailed individual maps of each QQLL are available. From a map of the state of Montana, this interactive map lets you select any QQLL map you want. You can look at maps on your computer or print them to take into the field.
> Travel Maps. Travel maps show QQLL boundaries for large sections of Montana, with the entire state divided into 7 regions. These maps allow you to roughly determine which QQLL you are in.