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

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Oregon

All statesBirds of prey

Burrowing Owl in Oregon has edged up: up 25% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+25%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 →
24Routes 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 →
45YearsYears 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 OregonNotable 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 Oregon. See the full index history below.

Burrowing Owl Population Forecast in Oregon

If the recent trend holds, Burrowing Owl in Oregon is projected to fall about 76% by 2030 — from 0.14 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.03 (95% range 0.00–0.13). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-76%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 →
0.03Projected 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 →
0.00–0.1395% 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 →
±47.7%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 Oregon is projected to fall about 76% by 2030 — from 0.14 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.03 (95% range 0.00–0.13). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19702030
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 →
20260.040.000.13
20270.040.000.13
20280.040.000.13
20290.040.000.13
20300.030.000.13

Burrowing Owl Survey Routes in Oregon

Routes recording Burrowing Owl in Oregon.
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 →
Three Forks620252006
Battle Mtn420241990
Blitzen319811971
Blitzen 2220251994
Ordnance219791978
Malheur Nwr220221988
Princeton219841979
Mikkalo219971997
Harney Lake220242024
Catlow Rim220252004
Bowden Hills220251999
Sheaville220172012
Lone Rock119961970
Fandango Can120121977
Wagontire120221996
Alvord Lake120051977
Montague119871976
Adrian120251987
Blizzard Gap120051985
Lookout Lake119941994
Cecil120242024
Crane119971997
Umatilla120211990
Trout Creek120251996

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

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