BirdAnalyst
Species · New Mexico · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Vesper Sparrow Population Trend in New Mexico

All statesGrassland birds

Vesper Sparrow in New Mexico has surged: up 437% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

+437%Since 1973
42Routes In State
52Years

Notable Vesper Sparrow Trends in New Mexico

long arc increasecomputed index

Vesper Sparrow has surged in New Mexico: up 437% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

Vesper Sparrow Population Forecast in New Mexico

If the recent trend holds, Vesper Sparrow in New Mexico is projected to rise about 34% by 2029 — from 3.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 4.6 (95% range 0.83–8.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±51.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+34%Change by 2029
4.6Projected 2029 index
0.83–8.595% range
±51.9%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20254.60.778.4
20264.60.798.4
20274.60.808.4
20284.60.828.4
20294.60.838.5

Vesper Sparrow Survey Routes in New Mexico

Routes recording Vesper Sparrow in New Mexico.
Stinking Lk.6019991992
Mt. Taylor 24920242014
Dulce4120242000
Fence Lake2820241975
Mt. Taylor2220121993
Quemado2019971995
Datil1919951993
Pecos1820171973
Angel Fire1820021992
Maxwell1620241996
Claunch 2920242002
Horse Spgs820241975
Salt Lake720011999
Floyd520211970
Mountainair520171998
La Plata520131990
Salt Lake 2420222002
Gallinas420211992
Capulin319941993
Claunch320001982
Horse Mtn320221976
Aztec319891988
Nageesi220121999
Farley220241979
Carrizozo220211977

Vesper Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawareidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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