P.O. Skaar's Montana Bird Distribution is revised and updated approximately every 5 

 years. Each update is cumulative, adding new bird records to those documented historically. 

 This Fifth Edition of Montana Bird Distribution is one of Dr. Skaar's ongoing legacies. Future 

 editions will continue as a direct result of his inspirational and visionary efforts. 



An Introduction to Montana 



Montana is a diverse state: the western third of the state is dominated by high rugged 

 mountain ranges dissected with broad forested valleys; the central portion features island 

 mountain ranges rising out of the grassy plains; and the eastern half of the state can be 

 characterized by rolling grass-covered plains carved by major rivers. Ecologically, Montana 

 includes portions of the Great Basin, Great Plains, and Northern Rockies, resulting in a diversity 

 of wildlife habitat. 



Vastly different climates also occur in Montana. Continental air masses with cold, dry 

 winters and hot summers dominate most of the state. Climate extremes are demonstrated in the 

 eastern plains which range between - 40°F(- 40°C) to over 100°F (38°C), with annual 

 precipitation between 8 inches (20 cm) and 15 inches (40 cm). The plains also have droughts 

 that can be frequent and severe. Northwest Montana is more influenced by Pacific moist air with 

 moderate temperatures. The Rocky Mountains are somewhat cooler and more moist, with 

 annual precipitation generally increasing with elevation, much of it in the form of snow. 



The diversity of Montana's geography, ecology, and climate all contribute to the great 

 natural diversity and abundance of birds in our state. However, land use practices are changing 

 the abundance and distribution of our avifauna. Some species, such as the European Starling, 

 tend to thrive in human-altered landscapes. These birds have expanded their range and numbers 

 as Montana's human population has grown. Other species, such as the Piping Plover, require 

 specialized natural habitat. Human development of these specialized habitats may make such 

 species increasingly rare or threatened. As we view the distribution of Montana birds over time, 

 we will undoubtedly witness the expansion of some species and the decline of others. 



About the Montana Bird Distribution Database 



The Fifth Edition of Montana Bird Distribution is a "snapshot" of the Montana Bird 

 Distribution Database as of January 1, 1996. Likewise, the Fourth Edition of this book was a 

 snapshot of the same database on January 1, 1992. The Montana Bird Distribution Committee 

 hopes to produce future "snapshots" at five-year intervals. 



The Montana Bird Distribution Database was created in 1991. It stores basic information 

 on every bird record submitted - the who, what, when and where. Specimen data and photograph 

 records are also stored in the database. It is housed and maintained at the Montana Natural 

 Heritage Program at the Montana State Library in Helena, 



