BirdAnalyst
Species · North Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Canada Goose Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesWaterfowl

Canada Goose in North Carolina has surged: up 17× on the route-weighted index since 1989.

17×Since 1989
84Routes In State
37Years

Notable Canada Goose Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Canada Goose has surged in North Carolina: up 17× on the route-weighted index since 1989.

Canada Goose Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Canada Goose in North Carolina is projected to rise about 38% by 2029 — from 4.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.7 (95% range 3.4–8.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±32%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+38%Change by 2029
5.7Projected 2029 index
3.4–8.195% range
±32%Backtest error
19872029
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
20255.32.97.7
20265.43.07.8
20275.53.17.9
20285.63.38.0
20295.73.48.1

Canada Goose Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Canada Goose in North Carolina.
Mattamuskeet6520211998
Jarvisburg 24020192008
Copeland3720151994
Old Trap3520222011
Myrtle Grove3220242008
Roseboro3220231996
Sturgills3220232011
Pinelog3220242016
Congleton2720242001
French Broad River2120242006
Arcola2020241992
Cokesbury1820231996
Saxapahaw1720231987
Eden1720191991
Pinetops1720241997
Fairview1620242005
Hallsboro1520162001
Kinston1520241997
Jordan1420241990
Ostwalt1420242015
Cayton1420232023
Flay1320221994
Bethel1320242002
Sheffield1220192008
Hamlet1120241997

Canada Goose Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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