BirdAnalyst
Species · West Virginia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in West Virginia

All statesGeneralists

Ruby-throated Hummingbird in West Virginia has risen sharply: up 53% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+53%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
62Routes 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 →
58YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Ruby-throated Hummingbird Trends in West VirginiaNotable 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 →

Ruby-throated Hummingbird has risen sharply in West Virginia: up 53% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Forecast in West Virginia

If the recent trend holds, Ruby-throated Hummingbird in West Virginia is projected to rise about 126% by 2029 — from 0.49 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.1 (95% range 0.51–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±99.4%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+126%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 →
1.1Projected 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 →
0.51–1.795% 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 →
±99.4%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, Ruby-throated Hummingbird in West Virginia is projected to rise about 126% by 2029 — from 0.49 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.1 (95% range 0.51–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±99.4%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20251.10.471.6
20261.10.481.7
20271.10.491.7
20281.10.501.7
20291.10.511.7

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Survey Routes in West Virginia

Routes recording Ruby-throated Hummingbird in West Virginia.
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 →
Lost River720191996
Washburn520221974
Martinsburg420071966
Bramwell320221981
Ghent320241990
Pt Pleasant320211997
Paradise320071966
Three Forks320241993
Cedarville320231986
Green Bank320231979
Clinton320231966
Hix220241993
Stollings220211994
Hubbardstown220221971
Fayetteville219951980
Yawkey220191970
Monongah220222000
Mcdonald220231987
Rio219931976
Ruthbelle220241976
Smoot120241980
Pedro120221994
Hanover120231984
Clear Creek120231988
Welch120221992

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawisconsin

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