The University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab conducts applied research and monitoring of Montana’s birds throughout their annual cycle to fill key gaps in our understanding of bird populations, while providing sound science to inform land management decisions.

Applied Research

Our research investigates how land management actions, habitat conditions, and other environmental factors influence bird populations. We work across Montana’s diverse habitats to assess bird response to a range of management actions and land use practices, from forest thinning and conifer removal, to prescribed fire and stream restoration.