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Species · Massachusetts · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Massachusetts

All statesForest birds

Song Sparrow in Massachusetts has edged up: up 13% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+13%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 →
32Routes 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 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 Song Sparrow in Massachusetts. See the full index history below.

Song Sparrow Population Forecast in Massachusetts

If the recent trend holds, Song Sparrow in Massachusetts is projected to fall about 40% by 2030 — from 29 in 2025 to a central estimate of 18 (95% range 9.1–26). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±44.4%, with 0% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-40%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 →
18Projected 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 →
9.1–2695% 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 →
±44.4%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 Massachusetts is projected to fall about 40% by 2030 — from 29 in 2025 to a central estimate of 18 (95% range 9.1–26). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±44.4%, with 0% 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 →
2026189.527
2027189.427
2028189.327
2029189.227
2030189.126

Song Sparrow Survey Routes in Massachusetts

Routes recording Song 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 →
Wellfleet 26120252016
Chesterfield4820251967
Brockton4720191967
Mansfield4520251968
Belchertown4020251967
Marion3620251966
Pittsfield3620161967
Warren 23420252010
Chilmark3319831969
Newburyport3320221967
Monterey3220252019
E Dennis3120211967
Maynard2820251967
S Barre2720251968
Cheshire2519941969
Holden2520251977
Princeton2319761969
N Oxford2120251968
Sheffield2120221969
Cummington 22120252015
Prattville1920191966
Hancock1720151997
Warren1620091968
N Orange1620251968
Gay Head1620251996

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

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

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