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

Laughing Gull Population Trend in Florida

All statesWetland birds

Laughing Gull in Florida has increased: up 35% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+35%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 →
59Routes 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 FloridaNotable 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 Florida. See the full index history below.

Laughing Gull Population Forecast in Florida

If the recent trend holds, Laughing Gull in Florida is projected to rise about 70% by 2029 — from 2.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 4.4 (95% range 0.00–10). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±68.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+70%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 →
4.4Projected 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 →
0.00–1095% 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 →
±68.2%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 Florida is projected to rise about 70% by 2029 — from 2.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 4.4 (95% range 0.00–10). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±68.2%, 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 →
20254.50.0010
20264.50.0010
20274.50.0010
20284.40.0010
20294.40.0010

Laughing Gull Survey Routes in Florida

Routes recording Laughing Gull in Florida.
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 →
Pleasant Gr7820091987
Dale Mabry7319881978
Santa Rosa7320031987
Plantation K5620041966
Pleasant Grove 25320242010
Hilliard4120242005
Pinelands4019901990
Sugarloaf Key3120041999
Merritt Island 22620142014
Flamingo2419831983
Key West1819871987
Ft Waltn Bch1420111966
Card Sound1420161998
Alligator Pt1320241987
Aripeka1320231987
Citrus Park1320241989
Indiantown1220101976
Steinhatchee1120231967
Callahan1020242001
St Vincent I920241995
Key Largo919911987
Myakka Head 2920212012
Sandy 2820222022
Port St Joe720141967
Nobleton720182018

Laughing Gull Population Trend in Other States

alabamacaliforniadelawaregeorgialouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsnew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinarhode-islandsouth-carolinatexasvirginia

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