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Species · Pennsylvania · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Purple Martin Population Trend in Pennsylvania

All statesAerial insectivores

Purple Martin in Pennsylvania has fallen sharply: down 58% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-58%Since 1968
107Routes In State
58Years

Notable Purple Martin Trends in Pennsylvania

long arc declinecomputed index

Purple Martin has fallen sharply in Pennsylvania: down 58% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Purple Martin Population Forecast in Pennsylvania

If the recent trend holds, Purple Martin in Pennsylvania is projected to fall about 85% by 2029 — from 2.1 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.32 (95% range 0.00–1.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±80%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-85%Change by 2029
0.32Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.695% range
±80%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
20250.450.001.8
20260.410.001.7
20270.380.001.7
20280.350.001.7
20290.320.001.6

Purple Martin Survey Routes in Pennsylvania

Routes recording Purple Martin in Pennsylvania.
Leola3320241998
Bald Eagle3020242018
Sugar Grove2820242001
Peters Mt2719761972
Landisburg2120242003
Harmonsburg1320231966
Brunnerville1320091969
Bendersville1320241990
Mifflintown1220241967
Mt Gretna1119701966
Garrett1120241966
Rector1019771970
Doubling Gap1019771966
Ravensburg819781974
Shelocta819741968
Teepleville720241967
Akeley619761966
Williamsburg620242013
Ephrata619881969
Labott619821966
West Grove619781967
Rosecrans520231979
Millville520241969
Aspers519881969
Doylesburg520182018

Purple Martin Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonrhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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