BirdAnalyst
Species · Vermont · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Barred Owl Population Trend in Vermont

All statesBirds of prey

Barred Owl in Vermont has surged: up 376% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

+376%Since 1974TrendPercent 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 →
25Routes 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 →
43YearsYears 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 VermontNotable 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 Vermont: up 376% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

Barred Owl Population Forecast in Vermont

If the recent trend holds, Barred Owl in Vermont is projected to rise about 65% by 2030 — from 0.17 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.28 (95% range 0.00–0.55). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±101.2%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+65%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 →
0.28Projected 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 →
0.00–0.5595% 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 →
±101.2%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 Vermont is projected to rise about 65% by 2030 — from 0.17 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.28 (95% range 0.00–0.55). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±101.2%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672030
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 →
20260.260.000.54
20270.270.000.54
20280.270.000.55
20290.270.000.55
20300.280.000.55

Barred Owl Survey Routes in Vermont

Routes recording Barred Owl in Vermont.
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 →
S Reading220241979
Gaysville220011985
Post Mills219941975
W Rutland220242017
East Calais220241993
Hardwick220241967
Marlboro120221986
North Pownal120251978
Stratton120101990
Landgrove120251997
Shaftsbury120161979
S Wallingfrd120211974
St Johnsbury120242019
East Haven120241971
Northfld Fls120181992
Middlesex120241974
Newbury119951991
Greensboro120242024
Fletcher120251992
Waterville119791979
Hinesburg119861980
Colchester120162006
Newbury 2120232005
Stowe120232011
Bristol120172017

Barred Owl Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

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