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Species · North Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Eastern Meadowlark Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesGrassland birds

Eastern Meadowlark in North Carolina has collapsed: down 79% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-79%Since 1968
98Routes In State
58Years

Notable Eastern Meadowlark Trends in North Carolina

long arc declinecomputed index

Eastern Meadowlark has collapsed in North Carolina: down 79% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Eastern Meadowlark Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Eastern Meadowlark in North Carolina is projected to fall about 88% by 2029 — from 4.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.52 (95% range 0.00–4.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±64.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-88%Change by 2029
0.52Projected 2029 index
0.00–4.895% range
±64.4%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
20251.60.005.9
20261.30.005.6
20271.10.005.3
20280.790.005.1
20290.520.004.8

Eastern Meadowlark Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Eastern Meadowlark in North Carolina.
Cherryville3419681966
Jarvisburg3319991992
Jackson2220171995
Mooresville 22020242006
Gupton1820242001
Beargrass1619811966
Durham1620241990
Oakboro1420241969
Ostwalt1420242012
Monticello1320241990
Goldston1320222001
Mooresville1220011966
Rowland1220241990
Speed1120241966
Bullock1120241997
Cypress Lakes1120242004
Raeford1120241990
Saxapahaw1020231966
Wilgrove1020241995
Flay1020241990
Jonas Ridge919711968
Pinetops920241997
South. Pines919961995
Climax820241966
Lloyd Xroads820241990

Eastern Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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