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

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Nebraska

All statesGeneralists

Burrowing Owl in Nebraska has declined: down 45% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-45%Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
37Routes 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 →
56YearsYears 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 NebraskaNotable 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 Nebraska. See the full index history below.

Burrowing Owl Population Forecast in Nebraska

If the recent trend holds, Burrowing Owl in Nebraska is projected to rise about 62% by 2029 — from 0.23 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.37 (95% range 0.00–0.90). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±113.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+62%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 →
0.37Projected 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 →
0.00–0.9095% 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 →
±113.9%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 Nebraska is projected to rise about 62% by 2029 — from 0.23 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.37 (95% range 0.00–0.90). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±113.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672029
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 →
20250.370.000.89
20260.370.000.90
20270.370.000.90
20280.370.000.90
20290.370.000.90

Burrowing Owl Survey Routes in Nebraska

Routes recording Burrowing Owl in Nebraska.
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 →
Murray Lake520241988
Paxton420161970
Marsland420212018
Kenesaw319731968
Almeria319871987
Agate 2220242003
Stratton220161983
Bartlett219681968
Eagle Creek219801967
Johnstown219801969
Table220171978
Kimball220221978
Benkelman220221989
Crescent Lk220131981
Oglala Nat. Grass.120232001
Kearney120101968
Sumner120071975
Oconto119751975
Dalton120241968
Sparta119911991
Midway119671967
Swan Lake120121969
Piester Lake120231968
Agate120011969
Kennedy120231977

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

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