BirdAnalyst
Species · Colorado · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Colorado

All statesBirds of prey

Burrowing Owl in Colorado has declined: down 45% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-45%Since 1970TrendPercent 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 →
64Routes 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 →
57YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Burrowing Owl Trends in ColoradoNotable 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 Burrowing Owl in Colorado. See the full index history below.

Burrowing Owl Population Forecast in Colorado

If the recent trend holds, Burrowing Owl in Colorado is projected to fall about 46% by 2030 — from 1.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.93 (95% range 0.00–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-46%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 →
0.93Projected 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 →
0.00–2.195% 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 →
±47.8%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, Burrowing Owl in Colorado is projected to fall about 46% by 2030 — from 1.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.93 (95% range 0.00–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682030
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 →
20260.990.002.2
20270.980.002.2
20280.960.002.2
20290.950.002.2
20300.930.002.1

Burrowing Owl Survey Routes in Colorado

Routes recording Burrowing Owl in Colorado.
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 →
Arsenal 23420252016
Neegrande2720251993
Gilpin2220251970
Stoneham2020251997
Boyero1620171979
Haswell1620241992
Edler1620251992
Pritchett1520251995
Briggsdale1220251968
Sheridan Lak1020161997
Kirk920231993
Campo820251988
Rush620251983
Last Chance 2620252017
Wildhorse L520251989
Arsenal420151991
Lamar420241973
Two Buttes420251973
Prospect Valley 2420232007
Trinchera420222018
Prospect Val419991992
Doyle Bridge419971992
Pinneo320191973
Fleming320251968
Last Chance320121968

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

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