BirdAnalyst
Species · Georgia · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Little Blue Heron Population Trend in Georgia

All statesWetland birds

Little Blue Heron in Georgia has declined: down 48% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-48%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
69Routes 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 →
59YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Little Blue Heron Trends in GeorgiaNotable 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 Little Blue Heron in Georgia. See the full index history below.

Little Blue Heron Population Forecast in Georgia

If the recent trend holds, Little Blue Heron in Georgia is projected to fall about 57% by 2030 — from 1.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.74 (95% range 0.00–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±55.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-57%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 →
0.74Projected 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 →
0.00–2.195% 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 →
±55.1%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, Little Blue Heron in Georgia is projected to fall about 57% by 2030 — from 1.7 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.74 (95% range 0.00–2.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±55.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
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 →
20260.770.002.1
20270.770.002.1
20280.760.002.1
20290.750.002.1
20300.740.002.1

Little Blue Heron Survey Routes in Georgia

Routes recording Little Blue Heron in Georgia.
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 →
Shiloh3220252016
Tarver3120251991
Douglas1219841978
Ousley1220252015
Henderson1020251975
Dickey720172009
Needmore619821977
Weber620252013
Philema620252013
Newton520251975
Coffee Co520171986
Doles520191976
Union520232011
Owensboro520232015
Lincolnton420021976
Millen420212009
Barges420232012
Harrietts Bl320221970
Fowlstown320161968
Glenmore320252013
Roland320122012
Ware Co320241987
Colonels Island320192006
Wrightsville220231966
Hawkinsville220241966

Little Blue Heron Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridaillinoiskansaskentuckylouisianamarylandmassachusettsmississippimissourinew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaoklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasvirginia

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