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

Great Egret Population Trend in Illinois

All statesWetland birds

Great Egret in Illinois has increased: up 33% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+33%Since 1968
49Routes In State
48Years

Notable Great Egret Trends in Illinois

No notable trend signals for Great Egret in Illinois. See the full index history below.

Great Egret Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Great Egret in Illinois is projected to rise about 15% by 2029 — from 0.60 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.69 (95% range 0.00–1.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±232.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+15%Change by 2029
0.69Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.595% range
±232.1%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
20250.660.001.5
20260.670.001.5
20270.670.001.5
20280.680.001.5
20290.690.001.5

Great Egret Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Great Egret in Illinois.
Gulfport12720131983
Belleview3620241966
Shannon1419931993
Chandlervill1219741973
Royalton920232015
Mt Vernon820061997
Lake Summerset720082004
Mascoutah Lk520231995
Yorkville420182001
Belknap420242000
Eldred420042004
Geneseo320141989
Pawnee320002000
Beaverdam Lk320141992
Seneca320131993
Duncan Mills320022002
Barrington220121987
Wayne220241978
Sherburnvill220142014
Mackinaw220021968
Bluff Spgs219981996
Columbia220241987
Guilford120171998
Mill Creek120182018
Payson120212021

Great Egret Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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