Species · Alabama · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Least Tern Population Trend in Alabama

Least Tern in Alabama has collapsed: down 92% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-92%Since 1968
6Routes In State
53Years

Notable Least Tern Trends in Alabama

long arc declinecomputed index

Least Tern has collapsed in Alabama: down 92% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Least Tern Population Forecast in Alabama

If the recent trend holds, Least Tern in Alabama is projected to stay roughly flat through 2024, near 0.29 (95% range 0.00–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±1133.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2024
0.29Projected 2024 index
0.001.795% range
±1133.9%Backtest error
19662024
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
20200.340.001.7
20210.330.001.7
20220.320.001.7
20230.300.001.7
20240.290.001.7

Least Tern Survey Routes in Alabama

Routes recording Least Tern in Alabama.
Dauphin Is919901966
St. Elmo420132013
Alabama Pt220031969
Dauphin Is 2220181991
Alabama Pt 2120192004
Chacaloochee Bay120162010

Least Tern Population Trend in Other States

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