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

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Texas

All statesGeneralists

Burrowing Owl in Texas has surged: up 328% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+328%Since 1969
62Routes In State
57Years

Notable Burrowing Owl Trends in Texas

long arc increasecomputed index

Burrowing Owl has surged in Texas: up 328% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Burrowing Owl Population Forecast in Texas

If the recent trend holds, Burrowing Owl in Texas is projected to fall about 50% by 2029 — from 1.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.52 (95% range 0.10–0.95). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-50%Change by 2029
0.52Projected 2029 index
0.10–0.9595% range
±47.7%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
20250.500.070.93
20260.510.080.94
20270.510.090.94
20280.520.090.95
20290.520.100.95

Burrowing Owl Survey Routes in Texas

Routes recording Burrowing Owl in Texas.
Pantex9120241976
Cactus2020242003
Pecos1820172017
Floydada1220241980
Dougherty1120242005
Slaughter619991973
Texline520241975
Plains520172004
Marfa420232015
Kermit419991999
Post420241971
Wink419811975
Skellytown420221998
El Indio319721972
Rankin320241968
Mentone320071999
Lamesa320231975
Midland320232001
Beaver Creek320051994
Claytonville320221995
Panhandle320242001
Dalhart320241994
Marathon220232004
Van Horn220172017
Saragosa220242022

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

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