Species · Minnesota · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024
Least Bittern Population Trend in Minnesota
Least Bittern in Minnesota has declined: down 35% on the route-weighted index since 1976.
-35%Since 1976
14Routes In State
24Years
Notable Least Bittern Trends in Minnesota
No notable trend signals for Least Bittern in Minnesota. See the full index history below.
Least Bittern Population Forecast in Minnesota
If the recent trend holds, Least Bittern in Minnesota is projected to fall about 71% by 2027 — from 0.06 in 2022 to a central estimate of 0.02 (95% range 0.00–0.05). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±51.2%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.
-71%Change by 2027
0.02Projected 2027 index
0.00–0.0595% range
±51.2%Backtest error
| Year | Projected index | 95% low | 95% high |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.05 |
| 2024 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.05 |
| 2025 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.05 |
| 2026 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.05 |
| 2027 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.05 |
Least Bittern Survey Routes in Minnesota
| Fairmont | 3 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Money Creek | 2 | 1989 | 1972 |
| Bemidji | 2 | 1979 | 1979 |
| Big Stone | 2 | 2009 | 2005 |
| Glenwood | 1 | 1993 | 1993 |
| Sherburne Nr | 1 | 2017 | 1991 |
| Ash Creek | 1 | 1975 | 1975 |
| Courtland | 1 | 2016 | 2016 |
| Dawson | 1 | 2004 | 2004 |
| Osseo | 1 | 1979 | 1979 |
| St Stephen | 1 | 2002 | 2001 |
| Appleton | 1 | 1982 | 1982 |
| Greenbush | 1 | 2016 | 2016 |
| Wigwam Bay | 1 | 2014 | 2014 |
Least Bittern Population Trend in Other States
Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.