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

Brown-headed Cowbird Population Trend in Florida

All statesGeneralists

Brown-headed Cowbird in Florida has surged: up 207% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+207%Since 1968
104Routes In State
58Years

Notable Brown-headed Cowbird Trends in Florida

long arc increasecomputed index

Brown-headed Cowbird has surged in Florida: up 206% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Brown-headed Cowbird Population Forecast in Florida

If the recent trend holds, Brown-headed Cowbird in Florida is projected to rise about 248% by 2029 — from 1.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 4.9 (95% range 0.54–9.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±316.7%, with 0% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+248%Change by 2029
4.9Projected 2029 index
0.54–9.295% range
±316.7%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20254.70.329.0
20264.70.379.1
20274.80.439.1
20284.80.489.2
20294.90.549.2

Brown-headed Cowbird Survey Routes in Florida

Routes recording Brown-headed Cowbird in Florida.
Lovedale3720111987
Shawano 22120112010
Citrus Park1220241991
Pinetta1020241987
Alligator Pt1020241987
Blackwater820241990
Dowling Park720231987
Flemington719991987
Hildreth 2620242010
Punta Gorda520142014
Miccosukee420231970
Port St Joe420141967
Steinhatchee420221971
Belmont420241980
Sanderson420211985
Hildreth420091987
Kissimmee420031987
Ft Waltn Bch320111966
Mossy Head320111966
Broad Branch320241967
Telogia319851968
Micanopy319911986
Romeo320241980
St Augustine320241982
Sunniland Gr320211997

Brown-headed Cowbird Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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