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

Indigo Bunting Population Trend in Maine

All statesGeneralists

Indigo Bunting in Maine has surged: up 283% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+283%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 →
58Routes 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 →
55YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Indigo Bunting Trends in MaineNotable 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 increasecomputed 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 →

Indigo Bunting has surged in Maine: up 283% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Indigo Bunting Population Forecast in Maine

If the recent trend holds, Indigo Bunting in Maine is projected to fall about 23% by 2029 — from 1.7 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.61–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±24.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-23%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
1.3Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.61–2.195% 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 →
±24.3%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, Indigo Bunting in Maine is projected to fall about 23% by 2029 — from 1.7 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.61–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±24.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20251.30.552.0
20261.30.562.0
20271.30.582.0
20281.30.592.1
20291.30.612.1

Indigo Bunting Survey Routes in Maine

Routes recording Indigo Bunting in Maine.
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 →
Brooks920191983
Harmony820241979
Hartford620241976
Newcastle520242007
Turner520101973
Charleston520191981
Bethel420211977
South Arm419991983
Bowdoin Ctr320211979
Manchester319951974
Carrabassett320181991
Waite319771977
Cornville320242012
Westbrook220241977
Wilson Mills219891983
Reeds220221990
Otisfield Gr220151977
East Troy220181981
Warren219851982
Freedom220192006
Hermon220191966
Hancock219851969
Moose River220011989
Cambridge220101985
Winn220221978

Indigo Bunting Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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