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

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Washington

All statesGeneralists

Song Sparrow in Washington has held roughly steady: down 6% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-6%Since 1970TrendPercent 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 →
112Routes 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 →
56YearsYears 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 WashingtonNotable 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 Washington. See the full index history below.

Song Sparrow Population Forecast in Washington

If the recent trend holds, Song Sparrow in Washington is projected to fall about 14% by 2029 — from 14 in 2024 to a central estimate of 12 (95% range 7.9–16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±10.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-14%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 →
12Projected 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 →
7.9–1695% 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 →
±10.2%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 Washington is projected to fall about 14% by 2029 — from 14 in 2024 to a central estimate of 12 (95% range 7.9–16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±10.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682029
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 →
2025128.116
2026128.116
2027128.016
2028128.016
2029127.916

Song Sparrow Survey Routes in Washington

Routes recording Song Sparrow in Washington.
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 →
South Elma5620241975
Mendota 25420001989
Vashon Is.5120241995
Mukilteo4920241993
Port Angeles4820241970
Everett4720241975
Mendota4719881977
Mendota 34620242005
Warm Beach4420171968
Montesand4120241986
Raymond 23920242022
Waitsburg3620041994
Pe Ell3420231993
Carnation3320241988
Raymond3220211993
Ilwaco2920241975
Issaquah2719871969
Ozette2620241971
Kamilche2620241968
Rainier2320191993
Kendall2220241981
Leavenworth2120241981
Reardan1920241968
Bunker Hill1920241968
Chewelah1720211977

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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