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

Least Tern Population Trend in Oklahoma

All statesWetland birds

Least Tern in Oklahoma has surged: up 85% on the route-weighted index since 1992.

+85%Since 1992TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
8Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
12YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Least Tern Trends in OklahomaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Least Tern has surged in Oklahoma: up 85% on the route-weighted index since 1992.

Least Tern Survey Routes in Oklahoma

Routes recording Least Tern in Oklahoma.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Randlett320052003
Wainwright219921992
Jet120121995
Choctaw120032003
Eagle City119891989
Erick120051997
Cashion120062003
Tegarden119711971

Least Tern Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniacoloradodelawarefloridageorgiaillinoiskansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmississippimissourinebraskanew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinasouth-carolinatennesseetexasvirginia

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