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Species · Alaska · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Lesser Yellowlegs Population Trend in Alaska

All statesShorebirds

Lesser Yellowlegs in Alaska has declined: down 49% on the route-weighted index since 1982.

-49%Since 1982TrendPercent 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 →
83Routes 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 →
45YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

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

No notable trend signals for Lesser Yellowlegs in Alaska. See the full index history below.

Lesser Yellowlegs Population Forecast in Alaska

If the recent trend holds, Lesser Yellowlegs in Alaska is projected to fall about 31% by 2030 — from 0.93 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.64 (95% range 0.00–2.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±15.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-31%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
0.64Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–2.295% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±15.1%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Lesser Yellowlegs in Alaska is projected to fall about 31% by 2030 — from 0.93 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.64 (95% range 0.00–2.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±15.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20260.800.002.3
20270.760.002.3
20280.720.002.3
20290.680.002.2
20300.640.002.2

Lesser Yellowlegs Survey Routes in Alaska

Routes recording Lesser Yellowlegs in Alaska.
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 →
Nicholai Sl1220251993
Lake Louise1020251993
Bear Creek919911986
Mud River920241993
Kenny Lake820041983
Pinoche Tral (Short)819841984
Cantwell720251982
Sourdough720251983
Gweek River720021994
Tupuknuk719951995
Paxson Lake619971995
Koyukuk Riv.620011993
Kanuti Lake620242006
Elmendorf (Short)519851984
Selawik (Short)519871987
Chistochina420251990
Chena River419881988
Mccarthy Rd2419991990
Hather Creek420241993
Yakutat320032001
Kobuk River (Short)319921991
Galena (Short)320251985
Galbraith L.320221993
Mcgrath320222019
Porcupine R.320021993

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.