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

Laughing Gull Population Trend in Virginia

All statesWetland birds

Laughing Gull in Virginia has collapsed: down 79% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-79%Since 1968
14Routes In State
58Years

Notable Laughing Gull Trends in Virginia

long arc declinecomputed index

Laughing Gull has collapsed in Virginia: down 79% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Laughing Gull Population Forecast in Virginia

If the recent trend holds, Laughing Gull in Virginia is projected to rise about 132% by 2029 — from 7.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 16 (95% range 0.00–43). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±3490.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+132%Change by 2029
16Projected 2029 index
0.00–4395% range
±3490.8%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
2025160.0043
2026160.0043
2027160.0043
2028160.0043
2029160.0043

Laughing Gull Survey Routes in Virginia

Routes recording Laughing Gull in Virginia.
Chincoteag W34420241992
Cape Charles11520181992
Colonial Pky6019981992
Cornland4420141981
Quinby2020241966
Backbay1019741966
Surry719991983
White Stone520231966
Gloucester420211992
Brandon219941994
Port Royal120141977
Pungo120231975
Truhart120181997
Sharps119911988

Laughing Gull Population Trend in Other States

alabamacaliforniadelawarefloridageorgialouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsnew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinarhode-islandsouth-carolinatexas

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