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

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Idaho

All statesGeneralists

Burrowing Owl in Idaho has declined: down 48% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

-48%Since 1972TrendPercent 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 →
23Routes 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 →
52YearsYears 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 IdahoNotable 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 Idaho. See the full index history below.

Burrowing Owl Population Forecast in Idaho

If the recent trend holds, Burrowing Owl in Idaho is projected to fall about 81% by 2029 — from 0.20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.38). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±63.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-81%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
0.04Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.3895% 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 →
±63.7%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 Idaho is projected to fall about 81% by 2029 — from 0.20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.38). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±63.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20250.060.000.41
20260.060.000.40
20270.050.000.40
20280.040.000.39
20290.040.000.38

Burrowing Owl Survey Routes in Idaho

Routes recording Burrowing Owl in Idaho.
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 →
Craters420161980
Acequia320071987
Cedar Hill320101992
Lost River220231985
Tractor Flat220241985
Cascade219771977
Dubois220241972
Ririe219741974
Triangle220051993
Picabo220122008
Carey219901989
Mud Lake220072005
Twin Buttes120241985
Kyle Canyon120062006
Circular Bu120171989
Blacks Creek120171969
Springfield120001969
Crane Creek120191989
Silver City119891989
Hot Spring120081991
Almo120112011
Mora120222018
Pasadena Val120022002

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

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