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

Barred Owl Population Trend in Florida

All statesGeneralists

Barred Owl in Florida has surged: up 110% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+110%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
95Routes 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 →
58YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

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

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Barred Owl has surged in Florida: up 110% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Barred Owl Population Forecast in Florida

If the recent trend holds, Barred Owl in Florida is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.65 (95% range 0.40–0.90). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±28.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-8%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 →
0.65Projected 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 →
0.40–0.9095% 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 →
±28.1%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, Barred Owl in Florida is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.65 (95% range 0.40–0.90). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±28.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662029
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 →
20250.630.380.88
20260.640.390.89
20270.640.390.89
20280.650.400.89
20290.650.400.90

Barred Owl Survey Routes in Florida

Routes recording Barred Owl in Florida.
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 →
Covington620211966
Pinecrest520241966
Pleasant Grove 2520242011
Blountstown420221970
Miccosukee420241969
Hixtown Swmp420241987
Osceola420221991
Steinhatchee320231970
Belmore320221972
Mabel320101966
Kenansville320241969
Wildernes Pk320141992
Broad Branch220211971
Romeo220191988
Myakka Head220111966
Scottsmoor220221986
Ft Lonesome220241970
Indiantown220151969
Alligator Pt220241997
Nobleton220241997
Sandy220141987
Devils Gardn220181987
Palmdale219911991
New Hope220102009
Mt. Olive220192012

Barred Owl Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

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