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

Least Tern Population Trend in Maryland

All statesWetland birds

Least Tern in Maryland has declined: down 34% on the route-weighted index since 1980.

-34%Since 1980
9Routes In State
31Years

Notable Least Tern Trends in Maryland

No notable trend signals for Least Tern in Maryland. See the full index history below.

Least Tern Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Least Tern in Maryland is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.05 (95% range 0.00–0.19). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±66.3%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.05Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.1995% range
±66.3%Backtest error
19702029
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
20250.060.000.19
20260.060.000.19
20270.060.000.19
20280.050.000.19
20290.050.000.19

Least Tern Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Least Tern in Maryland.
Golden Hill619951980
Easton220192015
Upper Xrds220081983
Theodore120132010
Northeast120042004
Elkton120121970
Millington120092000
Piney Neck120242004
Honga120091974

Least Tern Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniacoloradodelawarefloridageorgiaillinoiskansaskentuckylouisianamainemassachusettsmississippimissourinebraskanew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaoklahomasouth-carolinatennesseetexasvirginia

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