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

Northern Cardinal Population Trend in Illinois

All statesGeneralists

Northern Cardinal in Illinois has surged: up 75% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+75%Since 1968
105Routes In State
58Years

Notable Northern Cardinal Trends in Illinois

long arc increasecomputed index

Northern Cardinal has surged in Illinois: up 75% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Northern Cardinal Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Northern Cardinal in Illinois is projected to fall about 15% by 2029 — from 29 in 2024 to a central estimate of 24 (95% range 19–29). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±15.2%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-15%Change by 2029
24Projected 2029 index
19–2995% range
±15.2%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
2025241929
2026241929
2027241929
2028241929
2029241929

Northern Cardinal Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Northern Cardinal in Illinois.
Belknap10620241970
Royalton10220242001
Brownville8920241993
Mt Vernon7520241971
Bremen7020241969
Belleview6820241966
Pulaski6220241970
Brnt Prairie5720241976
St Morgan5220221967
Athensville4920241971
Beaverdam Lk4920231970
Kell4820242001
Mascoutah Lk4620241967
Lake Summerset4620222001
York4520241993
Wayne4420241966
Sandusky4420231993
Karnak4320242001
Bradbury4220241970
Cave In Rock4220241993
Athens4220241995
Delwood4020241970
Cherry Val3820031972
Eubanks3820242001
Melrose3619991973

Northern Cardinal Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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