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

Least Bittern Population Trend in Florida

All statesWetland birds

Least Bittern in Florida has fallen sharply: down 55% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-55%Since 1968
36Routes In State
55Years

Notable Least Bittern Trends in Florida

long arc declinecomputed index

Least Bittern has fallen sharply in Florida: down 55% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Least Bittern Population Forecast in Florida

If the recent trend holds, Least Bittern in Florida is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.06 (95% range 0.00–0.43). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±513%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.06Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.4395% range
±513%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
20250.080.000.45
20260.070.000.45
20270.070.000.44
20280.070.000.44
20290.060.000.43

Least Bittern Survey Routes in Florida

Routes recording Least Bittern in Florida.
Andytown1919981974
Wildernes Pk720141992
Lovedale420111987
Webb320181991
Punta Gorda219801980
Corbett220221994
Myakka Head219871987
Scottsmoor219921969
Alva220102010
Lake Buffum120061995
Flamingo120112011
Port St Joe120081995
Green Swamp120031994
Steinhatchee119931976
Micanopy119871987
Holey Land120241990
Merritt Isl119941991
Ridge Harbor120232023
Mabel120041968
Dupuis W.E.A120042003
St Vincent I120241995
Pinecrest120172016
Indiantown120001979
Salvista119691969
Broward119731966

Least Bittern Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaslouisianamarylandmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatexasvermontvirginiawisconsin

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