BirdAnalyst
Species · Maryland · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Maryland

All statesForest birds

Song Sparrow in Maryland has increased: up 27% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+27%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 →
75Routes 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 →
59YearsYears 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 MarylandNotable 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 Maryland. See the full index history below.

Song Sparrow Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Song Sparrow in Maryland is projected to rise about 11% by 2030 — from 14 in 2025 to a central estimate of 16 (95% range 11–21). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±11.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+11%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
16Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
11–2195% 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 →
±11.1%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 Maryland is projected to rise about 11% by 2030 — from 14 in 2025 to a central estimate of 16 (95% range 11–21). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±11.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
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 →
2026161121
2027161121
2028161121
2029161121
2030161121

Song Sparrow Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Song Sparrow in Maryland.
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 →
Emmitsburg6420251966
Madonna5620222009
Earlton5320242014
Olney4920251966
Eklo4620181966
Largo4619811966
Jennings4320251995
Wheaton4220251990
Ijamsville4220251986
Warfieldsbrg3620251966
Silver Spg3519891966
Williamsport3020251966
Mt Nebo2819911969
Bachman Mill2720251966
La Plata2720091966
Finzel2720251995
Pleasant Val2520251966
Accident2220171992
Floyd2120251966
Norwood2120121966
Upper Xrds2120081966
Potomac Park2020251970
Fair Hill1919961992
Grove Neck1819961992
Smithsburg1720141966

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

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

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.