BirdAnalyst
Species · New York · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Common Merganser Population Trend in New York

All statesWaterfowl

Common Merganser in New York has surged: up 379% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+379%Since 1969
61Routes In State
53Years

Notable Common Merganser Trends in New York

long arc increasecomputed index

Common Merganser has surged in New York: up 379% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Common Merganser Population Forecast in New York

If the recent trend holds, Common Merganser in New York is projected to rise about 216% by 2029 — from 0.08 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.24 (95% range 0.07–0.42). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±76.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+216%Change by 2029
0.24Projected 2029 index
0.07–0.4295% range
±76.7%Backtest error
19662029
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
20250.230.050.40
20260.230.060.41
20270.240.060.41
20280.240.070.41
20290.240.070.42

Common Merganser Survey Routes in New York

Routes recording Common Merganser in New York.
Harris Hill820192019
Lisle620072007
Austerlitz520072007
Oneonta520231998
North River420071987
Highland319971996
Macdougall320222001
Cobleskill220152015
Laurens220241997
Randolph220082008
Centerville220052005
Alder Creek220041989
Oneida220092004
Speculator220231966
Gabriels220131986
Sabattis219701970
S Vandalia220161990
Oxford 2120131993
Catskills120031999
Ghent120072006
Durham119711971
Medusa120211994
Meridale120242003
Duanesburg120182018
S Berne120112011

Common Merganser Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutidahomainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamontananevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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