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

Horned Lark Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesGrassland birds

Horned Lark in North Carolina has surged: up 461% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

+461%Since 1974
46Routes In State
44Years

Notable Horned Lark Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Horned Lark has surged in North Carolina: up 460% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

Horned Lark Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Horned Lark in North Carolina is projected to rise about 28% by 2029 — from 0.84 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.1 (95% range 0.53–1.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±35.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+28%Change by 2029
1.1Projected 2029 index
0.53–1.695% range
±35.7%Backtest error
19682029
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
20251.00.471.6
20261.00.491.6
20271.00.501.6
20281.10.521.6
20291.10.531.6

Horned Lark Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Horned Lark in North Carolina.
Dortches1420241990
Speed720241986
Pinetops720242006
Wards Corner520182011
Genoa520241990
Jackson520171996
Cherryville419681968
Dudley420242002
Lake Surf420032003
Jamesville420242011
Kinston320241987
Rheasville320172010
Rowland320241990
Fairmont219811974
Arcola220222015
Madison219691969
Ostwalt220152015
Montague220241994
Sheffield220132010
Waco220071989
Raeford120101990
Broad Creek120132013
Jordan120242024
Rose120241990
Oakboro119691969

Horned Lark Population Trend in Other States

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

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