BirdAnalyst
Species · Wisconsin · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in Wisconsin

All statesGeneralists

Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Wisconsin has surged: up 280% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+280%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 →
97Routes 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 WisconsinNotable 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 surged in Wisconsin: up 280% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Forecast in Wisconsin

If the recent trend holds, Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Wisconsin is projected to rise about 16% by 2029 — from 0.85 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.99 (95% range 0.72–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±24.2%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+16%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 →
0.99Projected 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 →
0.72–1.395% 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 →
±24.2%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 Wisconsin is projected to rise about 16% by 2029 — from 0.85 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.99 (95% range 0.72–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±24.2%, with 80% 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 →
20250.930.671.2
20260.950.691.2
20270.960.701.2
20280.970.711.2
20290.990.721.3

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Survey Routes in Wisconsin

Routes recording Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Wisconsin.
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 →
Rib Lake820241973
Union Twp720241978
Phillips620241966
Mather620231966
Popple River420241971
Hollister420191970
Iron River320241973
Couderay320191976
Exeland320221968
Holway319881968
Washington I320241967
Cadott320241968
Newburg Crns320181975
Weirgor Springs320191999
Mukwonago 2320242024
Chaffey220211980
Minong220231970
Hudson220112003
Irma220241969
Crandon220191967
Manawa220241971
Omro220011970
Viroqua220241979
New Lisbon220241967
Eden220241976

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginia

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