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

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Nebraska

All statesBirds of prey

Burrowing Owl in Nebraska has declined: down 28% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-28%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 →
39Routes 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 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 stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.37 (95% range 0.00–0.89). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±86.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+6%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 →
0.37Projected 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 →
0.00–0.8995% 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 →
±86.3%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 stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.37 (95% range 0.00–0.89). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±86.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672030
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 →
20260.370.000.89
20270.370.000.89
20280.370.000.89
20290.370.000.89
20300.370.000.89

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 →
Paxton420161970
Benkelman420251989
Murray Lake420251988
Marsland420212018
Hay Springs420252018
Kenesaw319731968
Almeria319871987
Stratton220161983
Bartlett219681968
Eagle Creek219801967
Johnstown219801969
Table220171978
Crescent Lk220131981
Berea220251981
Sutherland220252023
Agate 2120252003
Oglala Nat. Grass.120232001
Kearney120101968
Sumner120071975
Oconto119751975
Dalton120241968
Sparta119911991
Midway119671967
Swan Lake120121969
Piester Lake120251968

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

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