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

Green Heron Population Trend in Kentucky

All statesWetland birds

Green Heron in Kentucky has fallen sharply: down 74% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-74%Since 1968
60Routes In State
58Years

Notable Green Heron Trends in Kentucky

long arc declinecomputed index

Green Heron has fallen sharply in Kentucky: down 74% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Green Heron Population Forecast in Kentucky

If the recent trend holds, Green Heron in Kentucky is projected to fall about 62% by 2029 — from 0.50 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.19 (95% range 0.00–0.78). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±32%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-62%Change by 2029
0.19Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.7895% range
±32%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
20250.310.000.90
20260.280.000.86
20270.250.000.83
20280.220.000.81
20290.190.000.78

Green Heron Survey Routes in Kentucky

Routes recording Green Heron in Kentucky.
Daniel Boone519841966
Iron Bridge419881966
Plum320231966
East Union320171966
Gesling319731973
Campton319821979
Shiloh220151968
Sulphur Lick220181966
Sunnybrook220171974
Monticello220221998
Bardwell220031967
Kings Mtn220221966
Johnsonville220181966
Hudson220181966
Eastview220241967
Drakesboro219931971
Shelbyville219781966
Goshen219981966
Pleasurevill220241979
Levee 2220192008
Hodgenville 2220232008
Lebanon Junction220242001
Cumberlnd Gp120041967
Lovelacevile120241967
Canton120231967

Green Heron Population Trend in Other States

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

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