Species · Oregon · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Black Tern Population Trend in Oregon

Black Tern in Oregon has collapsed: down 95% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

-95%Since 1972
17Routes In State
51Years

Notable Black Tern Trends in Oregon

long arc declinecomputed index

Black Tern has collapsed in Oregon: down 95% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Black Tern Population Forecast in Oregon

If the recent trend holds, Black Tern in Oregon is projected to fall about 100% by 2029 — from 0.18 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.00 (95% range 0.00–0.97). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±120.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-100%Change by 2029
0.00Projected 2029 index
0.000.9795% range
±120.5%Backtest error
19692029
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
20250.030.001.00
20260.010.000.98
20270.000.000.97
20280.000.000.97
20290.000.000.97

Black Tern Survey Routes in Oregon

Routes recording Black Tern in Oregon.
Warner Vally3520072003
Catlow Rim2020162013
Fish Lake1720241972
Blizzard Gap1220051987
Bly1020011992
Chinchalo720211993
Barnes Val519871974
Adair420012001
Harney Lake420031996
Dell Spring219761976
Modoc Point220021969
Merrill120052005
Lapham Res.120071991
Mount Vernon120091987
Princeton119851972
Lakeview120051999
Malheur Nwr119981986

Black Tern Population Trend in Other States

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