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

Barred Owl Population Trend in Wisconsin

All statesGeneralists

Barred Owl in Wisconsin has surged: up 411% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+411%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 →
82Routes 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 WisconsinNotable 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 Wisconsin: up 411% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Barred Owl Population Forecast in Wisconsin

If the recent trend holds, Barred Owl in Wisconsin is projected to fall about 16% by 2029 — from 0.21 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.18 (95% range 0.03–0.32). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±21%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-16%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 →
0.18Projected 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 →
0.03–0.3295% 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 →
±21%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 Wisconsin is projected to fall about 16% by 2029 — from 0.21 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.18 (95% range 0.03–0.32). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±21%, 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 →
20250.170.030.32
20260.170.030.32
20270.180.030.32
20280.180.030.32
20290.180.030.32

Barred Owl Survey Routes in Wisconsin

Routes recording Barred Owl in Wisconsin.
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 →
Loraine320211967
Mcnaughton320231980
Flambeau320162008
Bayfield220241973
Irma219741974
Popple River220241972
Crandon220091969
Amberg220191986
Washington I219781978
Esdaile220231966
Cochrane219861972
Hatfield219981984
Mather220101974
Wis Rapids220212021
Princeton220241980
Eden220011995
Briggsville220232000
Chaffey120221981
Iron River120241969
Minong120191974
Grand View120231971
Shanagolden120141975
Montreal120231969
Land O Lakes120151974
Hudson120232009

Barred Owl Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginia

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