BirdAnalyst
Species · North Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Great Egret Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesWetland birds

Great Egret in North Carolina has surged: up 194% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+194%Since 1968
49Routes In State
58Years

Notable Great Egret Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Great Egret has surged in North Carolina: up 194% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Great Egret Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Great Egret in North Carolina is projected to rise about 358% by 2029 — from 0.27 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.2 (95% range 0.34–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±173.5%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+358%Change by 2029
1.2Projected 2029 index
0.34–2.195% range
±173.5%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
20251.20.282.1
20261.20.292.1
20271.20.312.1
20281.20.322.1
20291.20.342.1

Great Egret Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Great Egret in North Carolina.
Jarvisburg 21220222000
Merrimon1020231968
Myrtle Grove720241966
Supply720221993
Speed620241980
Jackson620171996
Shallotte519911978
Hallsboro420191981
Cypress Cr420192005
Wards Corner320241966
Dismal Swamp320102010
Cypress Lakes320042004
Waco319911991
California 2320232014
Mashoes219821972
Saxapahaw220112005
California220131972
Bethel220212018
Genoa220211996
Sheffield219961996
Dortches220241995
Rowland220232011
Arapahoe119921992
Beargrass119811981
Kinston120152000

Great Egret Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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