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

Lark Sparrow Population Trend in Iowa

All statesGrassland birds

Lark Sparrow in Iowa has surged: up 197% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+197%Since 1969
31Routes In State
53Years

Notable Lark Sparrow Trends in Iowa

long arc increasecomputed index

Lark Sparrow has surged in Iowa: up 196% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Lark Sparrow Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Lark Sparrow in Iowa is projected to rise about 126% by 2029 — from 0.41 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.93 (95% range 0.28–1.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±58.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+126%Change by 2029
0.93Projected 2029 index
0.28–1.695% range
±58.1%Backtest error
19672029
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
20250.870.221.5
20260.880.231.5
20270.900.251.5
20280.910.261.6
20290.930.281.6

Lark Sparrow Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Lark Sparrow in Iowa.
Pierson920141985
Washta820141967
Prairieburg419801980
Clare420191990
College Spgs 2420232005
Hudson320222009
Mccallsburg320242015
Burchinal220232023
College Spgs220041969
Cedar Valley219911986
Red Rock220231972
Washington220222000
Neola220101969
Sioux City220241984
Mt Hamill120241967
Exline120241974
Bedford119891987
Bryant120222022
West Liberty120241970
Brooklyn120112007
Williamsburg120041969
Panther120242008
Wales120161979
Maquoketa120151971
Alice119771967

Lark Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisindianakansaskentuckylouisianaminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonsouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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