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Species · Idaho · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Idaho

All statesForest birds

Red-breasted Nuthatch in Idaho has surged: up 448% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+448%Since 1972TrendPercent 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 →
41Routes 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 →
53YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Red-breasted Nuthatch Trends in IdahoNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Red-breasted Nuthatch has surged in Idaho: up 448% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Forecast in Idaho

If the recent trend holds, Red-breasted Nuthatch in Idaho is projected to rise about 17% by 2029 — from 3.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.9 (95% range 2.3–5.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±18.5%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+17%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 →
3.9Projected 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 →
2.3–5.695% 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 →
±18.5%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, Red-breasted Nuthatch in Idaho is projected to rise about 17% by 2029 — from 3.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.9 (95% range 2.3–5.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±18.5%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19692029
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 →
20253.82.15.5
20263.82.15.5
20273.92.25.5
20283.92.25.6
20293.92.35.6

Red-breasted Nuthatch Survey Routes in Idaho

Routes recording Red-breasted Nuthatch in Idaho.
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 →
Coolin3220241986
Grangeville1720241986
Naples1420241972
Mivoden1320231977
Rochat Divde1220231993
Lolo Pass1020191992
Cobalt920241989
Avery820231979
Baldy Mountain820162013
Golden720161987
Cascade719841981
Salmon River620211988
N Fork Cda R520191993
Marble Creek520231988
Nezperce420121969
Pierce420071990
Nezperce Nf419991992
Centerville320191973
Joel320241989
Featherville320241989
Cabarton320231985
Cape Horn220231972
Alturas219871986
Sawtooth City 2220242015
Sawtooth Cty220141988

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutillinoisindianakansasmainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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