BirdAnalyst
Species · Georgia · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Green Heron Population Trend in Georgia

All statesWetland birds

Green Heron in Georgia has fallen sharply: down 62% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-62%Since 1968TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
96Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
59YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Green Heron Trends in GeorgiaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc declinecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Green Heron has fallen sharply in Georgia: down 62% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Green Heron Population Forecast in Georgia

If the recent trend holds, Green Heron in Georgia is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.41 (95% range 0.00–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±18.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-7%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
0.41Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–1.195% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±18.2%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Green Heron in Georgia is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.41 (95% range 0.00–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±18.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20260.460.001.2
20270.450.001.2
20280.440.001.2
20290.420.001.1
20300.410.001.1

Green Heron Survey Routes in Georgia

Routes recording Green Heron in Georgia.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Wadley420251980
Keller419931976
Ousley420252016
Hebron420112005
Guyton319891966
Lyons319921968
Lincolnton320151966
Newton320251975
Hollonville320031973
Linwood320191971
Millen320212006
Owensboro320242018
Harrietts Bl220191973
Darien220191966
Fitzgerald220251966
Wrightsville220181984
Athens220241975
Cartersville220231983
Stockbridge220141975
Pitts220241977
Needmore219831977
Riceboro220162014
Tarver220251992
Colonels Island220192005
White Hill220242021

Green Heron Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.