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

Barred Owl Population Trend in Maryland

All statesGeneralists

Barred Owl in Maryland has surged: up 490% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+490%Since 1968
61Routes In State
57Years

Notable Barred Owl Trends in Maryland

long arc increasecomputed index

Barred Owl has surged in Maryland: up 490% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Barred Owl Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Barred Owl in Maryland is projected to fall about 24% by 2029 — from 0.29 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.22 (95% range 0.08–0.35). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±45.8%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-24%Change by 2029
0.22Projected 2029 index
0.08–0.3595% range
±45.8%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20250.210.070.34
20260.210.080.34
20270.210.080.34
20280.210.080.35
20290.220.080.35

Barred Owl Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Barred Owl in Maryland.
Beltsville320041966
Cokesbury320241967
Newark319741966
Finzel320242010
Smithsburg220131978
Emmitsburg220172011
Silver Spg219871987
Pleasant Val220171989
Bachman Mill220032000
Cheltenham219881974
Millington220221973
Melitota220141998
Harmony219861971
Golden Hill220111976
Forest Grove220182013
Island Creek220232010
Floyd120232023
Mt Nebo119891977
Vindex120081975
Oldtown120241981
Potomac Park120241993
Williamsport120231972
Wolfsville120231980
Olney120221978
Norwood119781976

Barred Owl Population Trend in Other States

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

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