BirdAnalyst
Species · North Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesGeneralists

Ruby-throated Hummingbird in North Carolina has risen sharply: up 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+52%Since 1968
107Routes In State
58Years

Notable Ruby-throated Hummingbird Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Ruby-throated Hummingbird has risen sharply in North Carolina: up 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Ruby-throated Hummingbird in North Carolina is projected to rise about 117% by 2029 — from 0.64 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.4 (95% range 0.61–2.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±110.5%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+117%Change by 2029
1.4Projected 2029 index
0.61–2.295% range
±110.5%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
20251.40.572.1
20261.40.582.1
20271.40.592.2
20281.40.602.2
20291.40.612.2

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Ruby-throated Hummingbird in North Carolina.
Mattamuskeet720211998
Jackson720171995
Brevard620241969
Jordan420081969
Cherryville419661966
Murphy420181997
Dortches420241990
Cullowhee320241974
Ernul320092001
Busick319991999
Shallotte219911969
Wards Corner220231966
Mashoes219751971
Arapahoe219951966
Mooresville220011980
Fontana220241977
Madison219851976
Milltail Cr220241993
Jamesville220221984
Oteen220231976
California 2220242015
Newport220181996
Pinetops220221997
Rhems219931991
Biscoe220091990

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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