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

Savannah Sparrow Population Trend in Massachusetts

All statesGrassland birds

Savannah Sparrow in Massachusetts has declined: down 26% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-26%Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
20Routes 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 →
57YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

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

No notable trend signals for Savannah Sparrow in Massachusetts. See the full index history below.

Savannah Sparrow Population Forecast in Massachusetts

If the recent trend holds, Savannah Sparrow in Massachusetts is projected to fall about 13% by 2029 — from 0.73 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.64 (95% range 0.17–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±61.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-13%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 →
0.64Projected 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 →
0.17–1.195% 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 →
±61.5%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, Savannah Sparrow in Massachusetts is projected to fall about 13% by 2029 — from 0.73 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.64 (95% range 0.17–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±61.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672029
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 →
20250.620.151.1
20260.630.161.1
20270.630.161.1
20280.640.161.1
20290.640.171.1

Savannah Sparrow Survey Routes in Massachusetts

Routes recording Savannah Sparrow in Massachusetts.
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 →
Pittsfield620161969
Cummington520141969
Holden520241977
Chesterfield420241971
Chilmark319731973
Belchertown219991968
S Barre219891968
Marion120241994
Prattville120181969
Newburyport120171967
Maynard119751972
Littleton119781970
Princeton119751971
E Pepperell119901990
Warren120011968
Cheshire119831969
Sheffield119731973
Gay Head120082003
Cummington 2120242016
Hancock120141997

Savannah Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawareidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymainemarylandmichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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