Species · New Jersey · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Black Skimmer Population Trend in New Jersey

Black Skimmer in New Jersey has collapsed: down 92% on the route-weighted index since 1981.

-92%Since 1981
5Routes In State
28Years

Notable Black Skimmer Trends in New Jersey

long arc declinecomputed index

Black Skimmer has collapsed in New Jersey: down 92% on the route-weighted index since 1981.

Black Skimmer Population Forecast in New Jersey

If the recent trend holds, Black Skimmer in New Jersey is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.23 (95% range 0.00–4.4). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±1532.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.23Projected 2029 index
0.004.495% range
±1532.9%Backtest error
19792029
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
20250.390.004.5
20260.350.004.5
20270.310.004.4
20280.270.004.4
20290.230.004.4

Black Skimmer Survey Routes in New Jersey

Routes recording Black Skimmer in New Jersey.
Villas319811980
Six Points120062006
Del Haven119911991
Cape May Ch120041993
Ocean City120241979

Black Skimmer Population Trend in Other States

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