Species · Washington · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Caspian Tern Population Trend in Washington

Caspian Tern in Washington has edged down: down 11% on the route-weighted index since 1979.

-11%Since 1979
28Routes In State
45Years

Notable Caspian Tern Trends in Washington

No notable trend signals for Caspian Tern in Washington. See the full index history below.

Caspian Tern Population Forecast in Washington

If the recent trend holds, Caspian Tern in Washington is projected to rise about 704% by 2029 — from 0.07 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.56 (95% range 0.04–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±258.4%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+704%Change by 2029
0.56Projected 2029 index
0.041.195% range
±258.4%Backtest error
19712029
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
20250.540.021.1
20260.550.031.1
20270.550.031.1
20280.560.041.1
20290.560.041.1

Caspian Tern Survey Routes in Washington

Routes recording Caspian Tern in Washington.
Tonasket919931993
Port Angeles420232006
Moses Lake420111979
Mcchord419981997
L. Wenatchee420032003
Bunker Hill320001997
Othello319911981
Mukilteo320231994
Warm Beach 2320242018
Warm Beach220171991
Hanford Site219961991
Deception219971993
Columbia Nwr220221992
Quincy220121987
Ewan220191999
South Elma219901990
Ellensburg220092001
Horn Rapids220192006
Odessa220072002
Lake Chelan219961996
Taholah120171971
Turnbull Nwr119991999
Vashon Is.120231997
Ilwaco120241979
Keystone120161994

Caspian Tern Population Trend in Other States

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