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Species · Idaho · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Idaho

All statesForest birds

Red-breasted Nuthatch in Idaho has surged: up 446% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+446%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 →
54YearsYears 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 446% 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 fall about 16% by 2030 — from 4.9 in 2025 to a central estimate of 4.1 (95% range 2.4–5.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-16%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
4.1Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
2.4–5.895% 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 →
±17.7%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 fall about 16% by 2030 — from 4.9 in 2025 to a central estimate of 4.1 (95% range 2.4–5.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19692030
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 →
20263.92.25.6
20274.02.35.7
20284.02.35.7
20294.12.45.8
20304.12.45.8

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 →
Coolin4820251986
Mivoden2920251977
Grangeville2520251986
Naples1520251972
Avery1020251979
Lolo Pass1020191992
Featherville1020251989
Rochat Divde820251993
Baldy Mountain820162013
Cobalt820251989
Golden720161987
Cascade719841981
Marble Creek720251988
N Fork Cda R520191993
Nezperce420121969
Pierce420071990
Nezperce Nf419991992
Cabarton420241985
Joel320241989
Cape Horn220231972
Centerville220251973
Alturas219871986
Magic Mtn220251987
Sawtooth City 2220242015
Salmon River220251988

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Other States

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

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.