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Species · Iowa · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Eastern Meadowlark Population Trend in Iowa

All statesGrassland birds

Eastern Meadowlark in Iowa has declined: down 27% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-27%Since 1969TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
38Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
57YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Eastern Meadowlark Trends in IowaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Eastern Meadowlark in Iowa. See the full index history below.

Eastern Meadowlark Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Eastern Meadowlark in Iowa is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 9.9 (95% range 0.97–19). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±8.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+5%Change by 2029TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
9.9Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.97–1995% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±8.5%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Eastern Meadowlark in Iowa is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 9.9 (95% range 0.97–19). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±8.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
2025101.219
2026101.119
2027101.119
202810.01.019
20299.90.9719

Eastern Meadowlark Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Eastern Meadowlark in Iowa.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Mt Hamill3720241967
Bedford3320181969
Red Rock2620241968
Bryant2020241967
Cedar Valley2019971967
Brooklyn1820221967
Melrose1720241974
West Liberty1720241968
Tipton1720241993
Williamsburg1620231967
Exline1520241974
Wales1320181969
Alice1319991967
Hudson1320221967
Panther1220241967
Neola1120161968
Festina1020241968
College Spgs 2920232005
Lafayette920242003
College Spgs720041969
Mccallsburg620241996
Rock Valley520241985
Maquoketa420241967
Pierson420132009
Clare320191985

Eastern Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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