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

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Maine

All statesGeneralists

Song Sparrow in Maine has declined: down 47% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-47%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 →
77Routes 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 Song Sparrow Trends in MaineNotable 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 Song Sparrow in Maine. See the full index history below.

Song Sparrow Population Forecast in Maine

If the recent trend holds, Song Sparrow in Maine is projected to fall about 62% by 2029 — from 20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 7.4 (95% range 0.00–16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±53.7%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-62%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 →
7.4Projected 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 →
0.00–1695% 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 →
±53.7%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, Song Sparrow in Maine is projected to fall about 62% by 2029 — from 20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 7.4 (95% range 0.00–16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±53.7%, with 60% 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 →
20258.70.0017
20268.40.0017
20278.10.0017
20287.70.0017
20297.40.0016

Song Sparrow Survey Routes in Maine

Routes recording Song Sparrow in Maine.
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 →
Washburn7820051979
Ft Fairfield6120051993
Searsport4820242002
Harmony4320241967
St David4120051982
Turner 23920242011
Brooks3720191977
Boundary3720161993
Bowdoin Ctr3620211971
East Troy3620191972
Cornville3420242012
Warren3219901973
Benton3119801971
Ashland3120081980
Kittery Pt2820241966
Charleston2520191975
Ludlow2419981968
Hermon2320191966
Newcastle2220241971
Westbrook2120241977
Biddeford2020191973
Manchester1919951971
Castine1920061976
Otisfield Gr1820151966
Freedom1820221973

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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