BirdAnalyst
Species · North Carolina · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Bald Eagle Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesBirds of prey

Bald Eagle in North Carolina has surged: up 529% on the route-weighted index since 2000.

+529%Since 2000TrendPercent 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 →
32Routes 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 →
26YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Bald Eagle Trends in North CarolinaNotable 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 Bald Eagle in North Carolina. See the full index history below.

Bald Eagle Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Bald Eagle in North Carolina is projected to rise about 137% by 2030 — from 0.13 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.31 (95% range 0.12–0.50). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±199.9%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+137%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
0.31Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.12–0.5095% 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 →
±199.9%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, Bald Eagle in North Carolina is projected to rise about 137% by 2030 — from 0.13 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.31 (95% range 0.12–0.50). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±199.9%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19982030
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 →
20260.270.090.46
20270.280.100.47
20280.290.100.48
20290.300.110.49
20300.310.120.50

Bald Eagle Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Bald Eagle in North Carolina.
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 →
Cayton220182012
Jarvisburg 2220252008
Reelsboro220182012
Merrimon120142003
Myrtle Grove120252014
Broad Creek120142014
Dismal Swamp120142014
Speed120252001
Kinston120192019
Climax120222022
Washington120112008
Spring Hope120222006
Brevard120212021
Cherokee120252018
Arcola120252000
Sturgills120232023
Old Trap120242021
French Broad River120222022
Congleton120252002
Lake Surf120242024
Cypress Lakes120192019
Ernul120082008
Mattamuskeet119981998
Pinetops120062006
Cokesbury120252023

Bald Eagle Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.