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

Laughing Gull Population Trend in Delaware

All statesWetland birds

Laughing Gull in Delaware has edged up: up 20% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+20%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 →
15Routes 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 →
58YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Laughing Gull Trends in DelawareNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Laughing Gull in Delaware. See the full index history below.

Laughing Gull Population Forecast in Delaware

If the recent trend holds, Laughing Gull in Delaware is projected to rise about 108% by 2029 — from 12 in 2024 to a central estimate of 25 (95% range 0.00–61). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+108%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 →
25Projected 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 →
0.00–6195% 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 →
±47.1%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, Laughing Gull in Delaware is projected to rise about 108% by 2029 — from 12 in 2024 to a central estimate of 25 (95% range 0.00–61). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.1%, with 80% 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 →
2025240.0061
2026250.0061
2027250.0061
2028250.0061
2029250.0061

Laughing Gull Survey Routes in Delaware

Routes recording Laughing Gull in Delaware.
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 →
Bethany Bch30919901966
Georgetown12520221992
Pepperbox3220161998
Milton2820161971
Harrington2420241966
Holleyville 22120242006
Dover1719871972
Pepperbox 21520242017
Blackbird1120231994
Holleyville620041989
Millsboro620222017
Lowes Xrds319911966
Mt Pleasant119881967
Frederica120141995
Frankford120121967

Laughing Gull Population Trend in Other States

alabamacaliforniafloridageorgialouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsnew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinarhode-islandsouth-carolinatexasvirginia

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