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

Barred Owl Population Trend in Kentucky

All statesGeneralists

Barred Owl in Kentucky has surged: up 87% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+87%Since 1969
42Routes In State
55Years

Notable Barred Owl Trends in Kentucky

long arc increasecomputed index

Barred Owl has surged in Kentucky: up 87% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Barred Owl Population Forecast in Kentucky

If the recent trend holds, Barred Owl in Kentucky is projected to fall about 48% by 2029 — from 0.57 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.30 (95% range 0.09–0.51). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±34%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-48%Change by 2029
0.30Projected 2029 index
0.09–0.5195% range
±34%Backtest error
19672029
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
20250.280.070.49
20260.290.080.50
20270.290.080.50
20280.290.080.50
20290.300.090.51

Barred Owl Survey Routes in Kentucky

Routes recording Barred Owl in Kentucky.
Morganfield1020242022
Apex420192005
Drakesboro319901990
Mammoth Cave North320092009
Cumberlnd Gp220181995
Keysburg220181968
Monticello220022002
Riverqueen220212021
Pippa Passes219941988
Kehoe 2220192013
Kehoe219741967
Mammoth Cave220111998
Bardwell 2220242006
Lovelacevile120241972
Shiloh120231969
Canton120241971
Cedar Grove120211975
Iron Bridge119831979
Sulphur Lick120152015
Hegira120212013
Sunnybrook120121994
Bardwell120031970
Dixon120242022
Pleasurevill119801980
Carter120221983

Barred Owl Population Trend in Other States

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

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