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Species · Virginia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Great Black-backed Gull Population Trend in Virginia

All statesWetland birds

Great Black-backed Gull in Virginia has edged down: down 11% on the route-weighted index since 1996.

-11%Since 1996
4Routes In State
20Years

Notable Great Black-backed Gull Trends in Virginia

No notable trend signals for Great Black-backed Gull in Virginia. See the full index history below.

Great Black-backed Gull Population Forecast in Virginia

If the recent trend holds, Great Black-backed Gull in Virginia is projected to stay roughly flat through 2027, near 0.14 (95% range 0.00–0.38). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±556.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2027
0.14Projected 2027 index
0.00–0.3895% range
±556.7%Backtest error
19842027
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
20230.140.000.38
20240.140.000.38
20250.140.000.38
20260.140.000.38
20270.140.000.38

Great Black-backed Gull Survey Routes in Virginia

Routes recording Great Black-backed Gull in Virginia.
Quinby119841984
Colonial Pky119981996
Chincoteag W120222012
Cape Charles120181995

Great Black-backed Gull Population Trend in Other States

connecticutdelawaremainemarylandmassachusettsnew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiorhode-islandvermont

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