Species · Pennsylvania · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Common Merganser Population Trend in Pennsylvania

Common Merganser in Pennsylvania has surged: up 935% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

+935%Since 1978
54Routes In State
47Years

Notable Common Merganser Trends in Pennsylvania

long arc increasecomputed index

Common Merganser has surged in Pennsylvania: up 935% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

Common Merganser Population Forecast in Pennsylvania

If the recent trend holds, Common Merganser in Pennsylvania is projected to rise about 42% by 2029 — from 0.24 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.33 (95% range 0.00–0.83). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±79.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+42%Change by 2029
0.33Projected 2029 index
0.000.8395% range
±79.4%Backtest error
19752029
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
20250.310.000.81
20260.320.000.82
20270.320.000.82
20280.330.000.83
20290.330.000.83

Common Merganser Survey Routes in Pennsylvania

Routes recording Common Merganser in Pennsylvania.
Berwick919931993
Rush920242008
Eldred820152004
Pocono Summit820241997
Ferris Crnrs520211997
Susquehanna420232002
Wyalusing320221988
Lynch320191994
Rasselas320142004
Arnot320041994
Waller320181998
Kittanning320192009
New Ringgold320122012
Betula220191987
Roulette220081999
Ramsey220221995
Mawr Glen220231983
Bow Bridge220211989
Poyntelle220061975
Clearfield220051996
Ellenton120242005
Whig Hill120211985
Sigel120232011
N Washington120172015
Starlight 2120182018

Common Merganser Population Trend in Other States

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