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Species · West Virginia · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Belted Kingfisher Population Trend in West Virginia

All statesWetland birds

Belted Kingfisher in West Virginia has edged down: down 13% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-13%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 →
62Routes 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 →
59YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

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

No notable trend signals for Belted Kingfisher in West Virginia. See the full index history below.

Belted Kingfisher Population Forecast in West Virginia

If the recent trend holds, Belted Kingfisher in West Virginia is projected to rise about 44% by 2030 — from 0.40 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.57 (95% range 0.11–1.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±42.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+44%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 →
0.57Projected 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 →
0.11–1.095% 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 →
±42.4%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, Belted Kingfisher in West Virginia is projected to rise about 44% by 2030 — from 0.40 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.57 (95% range 0.11–1.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±42.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
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 →
20260.570.111.0
20270.570.111.0
20280.570.111.0
20290.570.111.0
20300.570.111.0

Belted Kingfisher Survey Routes in West Virginia

Routes recording Belted Kingfisher in West Virginia.
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 →
Cedarville620231982
Mcdonald620231987
Valley Head420251966
Breeden320221986
Rockport320221980
Yellow Spg320231972
Glade Run 2320092005
Stollings220211986
Hanover220251980
Clear Creek220251992
Welch220211980
Paradise220081971
Three Forks220251978
Washburn220051976
Moundsville220161972
Josephs Mill220241993
Smithfield220241993
Henderson220232018
Shanghai220011995
Hix120221970
Smoot120191980
Pedro120241994
Bramwell120131979
Ghent120241978
Pt Pleasant120081975

Belted Kingfisher Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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