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

Great Egret Population Trend in Maryland

All statesWetland birds

Great Egret in Maryland has surged: up 117% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+117%Since 1968
25Routes In State
58Years

Notable Great Egret Trends in Maryland

long arc increasecomputed index

Great Egret has surged in Maryland: up 117% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Great Egret Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Great Egret in Maryland is projected to rise about 43% by 2029 — from 0.59 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.85 (95% range 0.33–1.4). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±62.9%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+43%Change by 2029
0.85Projected 2029 index
0.33–1.495% range
±62.9%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
20250.810.291.3
20260.820.301.3
20270.830.311.3
20280.840.321.4
20290.850.331.4

Great Egret Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Great Egret in Maryland.
Honga1520241966
Madison720241966
Easton519871987
Golden Hill420211974
Pomonkey219991967
Melitota220221971
Mardela219951995
Newark220241967
Fair Hill119961996
Olney120232023
Fowblesburg119971997
Walnut120142014
Randallstown119711971
Berlin120191984
Indiantown120111994
Madonna120142014
Tall Timbers119891967
Northeast120132013
Elkton120241982
Piney Neck120151996
Fruitland119971966
Cokesbury120211989
Sinepuxent119771966
Snow Hill119701970
Nottingham120232023

Great Egret Population Trend in Other States

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

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