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Species · Rhode Island · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Great Black-backed Gull Population Trend in Rhode Island

All statesWetland birds

Great Black-backed Gull in Rhode Island has surged: up 324% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

+324%Since 1971
3Routes In State
33Years

Notable Great Black-backed Gull Trends in Rhode Island

long arc increasecomputed index

Great Black-backed Gull has surged in Rhode Island: up 324% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Great Black-backed Gull Population Forecast in Rhode Island

If the recent trend holds, Great Black-backed Gull in Rhode Island is projected to rise about 181× by 2028 — from 0.50 in 2023 to a central estimate of 91 (95% range 27–154). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±3730.6%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

181×Change by 2028
91Projected 2028 index
27–15495% range
±3730.6%Backtest error
19672028
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
20248421147
20258522149
20268724150
20278926152
20289127154

Great Black-backed Gull Survey Routes in Rhode Island

Routes recording Great Black-backed Gull in Rhode Island.
Block Island8320101990
Sachuest Pt2319891967
Shannock120232023

Great Black-backed Gull Population Trend in Other States

connecticutdelawaremainemarylandmassachusettsnew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiovermontvirginia

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