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

Vesper Sparrow Population Trend in Iowa

All statesGrassland birds

Vesper Sparrow in Iowa has fallen sharply: down 65% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-65%Since 1969
38Routes In State
57Years

Notable Vesper Sparrow Trends in Iowa

long arc declinecomputed index

Vesper Sparrow has fallen sharply in Iowa: down 65% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Vesper Sparrow Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Vesper Sparrow in Iowa is projected to rise about 16% by 2029 — from 5.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 6.5 (95% range 0.00–16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±33.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+16%Change by 2029
6.5Projected 2029 index
0.00–1695% range
±33.4%Backtest error
19672029
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
20257.30.0017
20267.10.0017
20276.90.0017
20286.70.0016
20296.50.0016

Vesper Sparrow Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Vesper Sparrow in Iowa.
Cedar Valley4619971967
Mccallsburg3520241996
Prairieburg2720001967
Kanawha2420241967
Titonka1820241968
Panther1620241967
Clare1620191967
Burchinal920241995
Garner819931971
Desmoines719741968
Scranton720241967
Washta720141967
Gaza720231969
West Liberty620191968
Neola519881968
Zearing519951968
Brooklyn420221967
Festina420191968
College Spgs319911979
Davis Corner320241968
Tipton320241993
Washington220241967
Wales220161967
Maquoketa220221967
Alice219971968

Vesper Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawareidahoillinoisindianakansaskentuckymainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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