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

European Starling Population Trend in Maryland

All statesGeneralists

European Starling in Maryland has declined: down 43% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-43%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
76Routes 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 →
58YearsYears 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 MarylandNotable 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 Maryland. See the full index history below.

European Starling Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, European Starling in Maryland is projected to fall about 22% by 2029 — from 71 in 2024 to a central estimate of 55 (95% range 37–73). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±9.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-22%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 →
55Projected 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 →
37–7395% 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 →
±9.1%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 Maryland is projected to fall about 22% by 2029 — from 71 in 2024 to a central estimate of 55 (95% range 37–73). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±9.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
2025594177
2026584076
2027573975
2028563874
2029553773

European Starling Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording European Starling in Maryland.
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 →
Emmitsburg42620241966
Williamsport33220241966
Largo25219811966
Walnut23720241999
Sinepuxent23319781966
Olney20520241966
Harmony20220171966
Forest Grove18320232011
Snow Hill15119761966
Mardela14920191966
Bachman Mill14120241966
Jones13819941966
Warfieldsbrg12620241966
Fruitland11619981966
Vienna11520241966
Smithsburg10920141966
Ijamsville10720241986
Pt Republic10319891966
Randallstown9720131966
Cheltenham9620041966
Cokesbury9620241966
Earlton9520242014
Madonna9520222009
Tall Timbers8820141966
Piney Grove8520241995

European Starling Population Trend in Other States

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

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