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Species · Nebraska · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

American White Pelican Population Trend in Nebraska

All statesWetland birds

American White Pelican in Nebraska has increased: up 27% on the route-weighted index since 1975.

+27%Since 1975TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
12Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
42YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable American White Pelican Trends in NebraskaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for American White Pelican in Nebraska. See the full index history below.

American White Pelican Population Forecast in Nebraska

If the recent trend holds, American White Pelican in Nebraska is projected to rise about 289% by 2029 — from 0.29 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.1 (95% range 0.00–3.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±128.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+289%Change by 2029TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
1.1Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–3.095% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±128.1%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, American White Pelican in Nebraska is projected to rise about 289% by 2029 — from 0.29 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.1 (95% range 0.00–3.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±128.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19722029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20251.10.003.0
20261.10.003.0
20271.10.003.0
20281.10.003.0
20291.10.003.0

American White Pelican Survey Routes in Nebraska

Routes recording American White Pelican in Nebraska.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Crescent Lk6720171982
Gordon2420102007
Mullen1420231992
Swan Lake1020151989
Nenzel720242018
Paxton619951995
Piester Lake520241972
Oglala Nat. Grass.220142001
Brownlee220241990
Kennedy220221993
Stratton120031975
Sutherland120232023

American White Pelican Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniacoloradoidahoiowakansaslouisianaminnesotamontananevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregonsouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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