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Species · Alaska · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Dunlin Population Trend in Alaska

All statesShorebirds

Dunlin in Alaska has surged: up 12× on the route-weighted index since 1989.

12×Since 1989
6Routes In State
27Years

Notable Dunlin Trends in Alaska

long arc increasecomputed index

Dunlin has surged in Alaska: up 12× on the route-weighted index since 1989.

Dunlin Population Forecast in Alaska

If the recent trend holds, Dunlin in Alaska is projected to rise about 336% by 2029 — from 0.13 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.58 (95% range 0.00–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±80.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+336%Change by 2029
0.58Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.295% range
±80.1%Backtest error
19852029
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
20250.530.001.2
20260.540.001.2
20270.560.001.2
20280.570.001.2
20290.580.001.2

Dunlin Survey Routes in Alaska

Routes recording Dunlin in Alaska.
Utqiagvik9720232021
Council1120121993
Cold Bay820242001
Nome120102010
Cape Nome120241993
Cold Bay (Short)119921985

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