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

Northern Cardinal Population Trend in Maryland

All statesGeneralists

Northern Cardinal in Maryland has risen sharply: up 68% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+68%Since 1968
76Routes In State
58Years

Notable Northern Cardinal Trends in Maryland

long arc increasecomputed index

Northern Cardinal has risen sharply in Maryland: up 68% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Northern Cardinal Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Northern Cardinal in Maryland is projected to fall about 12% by 2029 — from 50 in 2024 to a central estimate of 44 (95% range 36–52). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17.4%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-12%Change by 2029
44Projected 2029 index
36–5295% range
±17.4%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
2025433451
2026433551
2027433551
2028443552
2029443652

Northern Cardinal Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Northern Cardinal in Maryland.
Wheaton16020241990
Earlton15720242014
Olney12720241966
Island Creek12520241991
Madonna12020222009
Emmitsburg9720241966
Williamsport9220241966
Ijamsville8420241986
Davidsnville8220241982
Forest Grove8020232011
Pr Frederick7620241991
Cokesbury6920241966
Millington6020241966
Elkton5720241966
Pomonkey5420241966
Easton5420211966
Severna Park5420111982
Eklo5320181966
Largo5319811966
Pleasant Val5220241966
Smithsburg5020141966
St. George'S Island4920172015
Tall Timbers4820141966
Warfieldsbrg4720241966
La Plata4620091966

Northern Cardinal Population Trend in Other States

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

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