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

Green Heron Population Trend in Pennsylvania

All statesWetland birds

Green Heron in Pennsylvania has fallen sharply: down 54% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-54%Since 1968
123Routes In State
58Years

Notable Green Heron Trends in Pennsylvania

long arc declinecomputed index

Green Heron has fallen sharply in Pennsylvania: down 54% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Green Heron Population Forecast in Pennsylvania

If the recent trend holds, Green Heron in Pennsylvania is projected to fall about 35% by 2029 — from 0.28 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.18 (95% range 0.03–0.34). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±23%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-35%Change by 2029
0.18Projected 2029 index
0.03–0.3495% range
±23%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
20250.200.050.36
20260.200.040.36
20270.190.040.35
20280.190.030.34
20290.180.030.34

Green Heron Survey Routes in Pennsylvania

Routes recording Green Heron in Pennsylvania.
Eldred420151975
Drehersville 2420242001
Hop Bottom320151967
Honesdale320241972
Parkwood320191979
Brunnerville320071969
Schaefferstown 2320182002
Shrewsbury320121991
Slippery Rk219921971
Espyville220241970
Ferris Crnrs220241971
N Pine Grove220221971
Betula220161975
Russell City219721972
Ridgway220182008
Starlight219881970
Greentown220191969
Poyntelle220241979
Portersville219761973
Beaver220231972
Kaylor220181969
Clear Spring220131968
Mt Gretna219881966
Scheafferstn219761966
Clearfield220211968

Green Heron Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonrhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

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