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

Purple Finch Population Trend in Vermont

All statesGeneralists

Purple Finch in Vermont has fallen sharply: down 68% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-68%Since 1968
26Routes In State
58Years

Notable Purple Finch Trends in Vermont

long arc declinecomputed index

Purple Finch has fallen sharply in Vermont: down 68% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Purple Finch Population Forecast in Vermont

If the recent trend holds, Purple Finch in Vermont is projected to fall about 60% by 2029 — from 0.94 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.38 (95% range 0.00–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±60.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-60%Change by 2029
0.38Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.795% range
±60.6%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
20250.590.001.9
20260.540.001.8
20270.490.001.8
20280.430.001.7
20290.380.001.7

Purple Finch Survey Routes in Vermont

Routes recording Purple Finch in Vermont.
Waterville619801968
Hardwick420161966
Newbury 2420232005
North Pownal319931966
S Reading320241966
St Johnsbury320211970
East Calais320241966
Hinesburg319881966
Marlboro220241967
Stratton220241966
S Wallingfrd220141971
East Haven220241966
Middlesex220241969
Newbury220041986
Landgrove120241966
Gaysville120121966
Post Mills120051967
Shaftsbury120241967
W Rutland120231968
Northfld Fls120131980
Greensboro120221967
Fletcher120211969
Colchester120001986
Grand Isle120001972
Stowe120241988

Purple Finch Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniaconnecticutindianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandwashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

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