Species · Virginia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024
Great Egret Population Trend in Virginia
Great Egret in Virginia has held roughly steady: down 2% on the route-weighted index since 1972.
-2%Since 1972
21Routes In State
49Years
Notable Great Egret Trends in Virginia
No notable trend signals for Great Egret in Virginia. See the full index history below.
Great Egret Population Forecast in Virginia
If the recent trend holds, Great Egret in Virginia is projected to rise about 105% by 2028 — from 0.12 in 2023 to a central estimate of 0.25 (95% range 0.00–0.59). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±490.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.
+105%Change by 2028
0.25Projected 2028 index
0.00–0.5995% range
±490.8%Backtest error
| Year | Projected index | 95% low | 95% high |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0.24 | 0.00 | 0.59 |
| 2025 | 0.24 | 0.00 | 0.59 |
| 2026 | 0.25 | 0.00 | 0.59 |
| 2027 | 0.25 | 0.00 | 0.59 |
| 2028 | 0.25 | 0.00 | 0.59 |
Great Egret Survey Routes in Virginia
| Backbay | 6 | 1974 | 1966 |
| Finchley | 4 | 2021 | 2021 |
| Cape Charles | 2 | 2012 | 1992 |
| Dismal Swamp | 2 | 2016 | 1992 |
| Branchville | 2 | 2010 | 1990 |
| Cornland | 2 | 2014 | 1990 |
| Pungo | 2 | 2023 | 1975 |
| Taylorstown 2 | 2 | 2023 | 2017 |
| Nat Tunnel | 1 | 2019 | 2019 |
| Rural Retrt | 1 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Gloucester | 1 | 2012 | 2002 |
| Colonial Pky | 1 | 1998 | 1992 |
| Chincoteag W | 1 | 2022 | 1992 |
| Waverly | 1 | 1983 | 1983 |
| Surry | 1 | 2009 | 1987 |
| Quinby | 1 | 2011 | 1982 |
| Irisburg | 1 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Wylliesburg | 1 | 1982 | 1982 |
| Brodnax | 1 | 1996 | 1978 |
| Newsoms | 1 | 2017 | 1969 |
| Newville | 1 | 2007 | 2001 |
Great Egret Population Trend in Other States
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Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.