BirdAnalyst
Species · Virginia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Bald Eagle Population Trend in Virginia

All statesGeneralists

Bald Eagle in Virginia has surged: up 516% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

+516%Since 1988
32Routes In State
36Years

Notable Bald Eagle Trends in Virginia

long arc increasecomputed index

Bald Eagle has surged in Virginia: up 516% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

Bald Eagle Population Forecast in Virginia

If the recent trend holds, Bald Eagle in Virginia is projected to fall about 17% by 2029 — from 0.31 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.26 (95% range 0.12–0.39). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-17%Change by 2029
0.26Projected 2029 index
0.12–0.3995% range
±19.3%Backtest error
19692029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20250.230.100.37
20260.240.100.38
20270.240.110.38
20280.250.110.39
20290.260.120.39

Bald Eagle Survey Routes in Virginia

Routes recording Bald Eagle in Virginia.
Chincoteag W720241993
Port Royal220171996
Big Island220242024
Pungo220241987
Taylorstown120052003
W Augusta120022002
Churchville120231995
Tryme120222022
Rural Retrt120152015
New Market120222022
Gloucester120241994
Walkers120231995
Natural Brid120222022
Amherst120222022
Covesville120242024
Truhart120242005
Brandon120191992
Mannboro120232023
Hall120212006
Cape Charles120142006
White Stone120231969
Sharps120091990
Surry119991987
Quinby120241991
Elamsville120092009

Bald Eagle Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontwashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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