Species · Nebraska · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Nebraska

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

-45%Since 1969
37Routes In State
56Years

Notable Burrowing Owl Trends in Nebraska

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 2029
0.37Projected 2029 index
0.000.9095% range
±113.9%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
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.
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

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