BirdAnalyst
Species · Colorado · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

European Starling Population Trend in Colorado

All statesGeneralists

European Starling in Colorado has edged up: up 20% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+20%Since 1970TrendPercent 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 →
137Routes 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 →
56YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable European Starling Trends in ColoradoNotable 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 European Starling in Colorado. See the full index history below.

European Starling Population Forecast in Colorado

If the recent trend holds, European Starling in Colorado is projected to rise about 37% by 2029 — from 9.8 in 2024 to a central estimate of 13 (95% range 7.4–19). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±29.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+37%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 →
13Projected 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 →
7.4–1995% 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 →
±29.1%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, European Starling in Colorado is projected to rise about 37% by 2029 — from 9.8 in 2024 to a central estimate of 13 (95% range 7.4–19). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±29.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682029
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 →
2025137.419
2026137.419
2027137.419
2028137.419
2029137.419

European Starling Survey Routes in Colorado

Routes recording European Starling in Colorado.
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 →
Hudson19120241988
Arsenal 211820242016
Cortez 29620172009
Julesburg9220211998
Fruita7120071988
Doyle Bridge6919971992
Grover6620241993
Doyle Bridge 26320231998
Nunn6220211995
Fort Morgan5820241996
Falfa5020241971
Prospect Val4420001992
Arsenal4420151991
Yampa4220231970
Wildhorse L3920241988
Pritchett3920241999
Fleming3320231968
Kiowa3320181968
Two Buttes3320151974
Animas3320041996
De Beque3020241993
Harmony2420241973
Prospect Valley 22320232001
Dolores2219871968
Flagler2220241997

European Starling Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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