BirdAnalyst
Species · South Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Little Blue Heron Population Trend in South Carolina

All statesWetland birds

Little Blue Heron in South Carolina has collapsed: down 87% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-87%Since 1968
28Routes In State
55Years

Notable Little Blue Heron Trends in South Carolina

long arc declinecomputed index

Little Blue Heron has collapsed in South Carolina: down 87% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Little Blue Heron Population Forecast in South Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Little Blue Heron in South Carolina is projected to fall about 56% by 2029 — from 0.10 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.69). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±44.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-56%Change by 2029
0.04Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.6995% range
±44.6%Backtest error
19662029
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
20250.090.000.73
20260.080.000.72
20270.070.000.71
20280.050.000.70
20290.040.000.69

Little Blue Heron Survey Routes in South Carolina

Routes recording Little Blue Heron in South Carolina.
Johns Isle319751966
Jamestown320011986
Walterboro320171971
Campobello320222022
New Holland219851979
Dillon219721972
Barton Creek219821981
Bennettsville220171999
Pinewood219991998
Nixville220062000
Hardeeville120241967
Rome119861967
Holly Hill120241972
Coward120161999
Foreston119941966
Wagener120091966
Bishopville120071985
Kiawah Island120221998
Little Mtn119881985
Plum Branch119851980
Nixonville119941994
New Ellenton120232018
Green Sea120102010
Olar120131998
Carvers Bay120001998

Little Blue Heron Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoiskansaskentuckylouisianamarylandmassachusettsmississippimissourinew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaoklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandtennesseetexasvirginia

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