Species · Washington · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Short-eared Owl Population Trend in Washington

Short-eared Owl in Washington has edged down: down 16% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

-16%Since 1971
27Routes In State
48Years

Notable Short-eared Owl Trends in Washington

No notable trend signals for Short-eared Owl in Washington. See the full index history below.

Short-eared Owl Population Forecast in Washington

If the recent trend holds, Short-eared Owl in Washington is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.06 (95% range 0.00–0.22). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±92.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.06Projected 2029 index
0.000.2295% range
±92.5%Backtest error
19692029
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
20250.070.000.23
20260.060.000.23
20270.060.000.23
20280.060.000.23
20290.060.000.22

Short-eared Owl Survey Routes in Washington

Routes recording Short-eared Owl in Washington.
Wilbur520231983
Bickleton320041982
Tonasket319851982
Sulphur320211996
Hatton319931992
Harrington220051981
Asotin220241986
Malden220222022
Odessa220231994
Brewster120071979
Moses Lake119901976
Reardan119831971
Wapato119751975
Mercer120221969
Connell119961970
Everett119941984
Ewan119911983
Ellensburg120192011
Othello119841983
Prescott119941981
Hartline120231994
Keystone120231994
Harwood119961996
Potholes120092008
Pomeroy120011998

Short-eared Owl Population Trend in Other States

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