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

Northern Mockingbird Population Trend in Iowa

All statesGeneralists

Northern Mockingbird in Iowa has held roughly steady: up 3% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+3%Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
19Routes 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 →
55YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Northern Mockingbird Trends in IowaNotable 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 Northern Mockingbird in Iowa. See the full index history below.

Northern Mockingbird Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Northern Mockingbird in Iowa is projected to rise about 62% by 2029 — from 0.14 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.22 (95% range 0.01–0.43). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±82.8%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+62%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
0.22Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.01–0.4395% 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 →
±82.8%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, Northern Mockingbird in Iowa is projected to rise about 62% by 2029 — from 0.14 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.22 (95% range 0.01–0.43). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±82.8%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672029
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 →
20250.210.010.42
20260.220.010.42
20270.220.010.42
20280.220.010.42
20290.220.010.43

Northern Mockingbird Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Northern Mockingbird in Iowa.
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 →
Bedford320181971
Exline220241974
Brooklyn220211975
Wales219911968
Mt Hamill120171972
Melrose120171977
College Spgs120041967
Bryant120241972
West Liberty120181976
Cedar Valley119831972
Williamsburg120071967
Red Rock120191970
Washington120172017
Neola119711971
Maquoketa120131969
Washta120122012
Rock Valley119881988
College Spgs 2120192005
Tipton120142014

Northern Mockingbird Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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