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

Virginia Rail Population Trend in Maryland

All statesWetland birds

Virginia Rail in Maryland has risen sharply: up 51% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+51%Since 1972
3Routes In State
51Years

Notable Virginia Rail Trends in Maryland

long arc increasecomputed index

Virginia Rail has risen sharply in Maryland: up 51% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Virginia Rail Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Virginia Rail in Maryland is projected to fall about 42% by 2029 — from 0.12 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.07 (95% range 0.00–0.18). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±63.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-42%Change by 2029
0.07Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.1895% range
±63.7%Backtest error
19662029
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
20250.070.000.18
20260.070.000.18
20270.070.000.18
20280.070.000.18
20290.070.000.18

Virginia Rail Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Virginia Rail in Maryland.
Honga320241973
Madison220241966
Cokesbury120211966

Virginia Rail Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawareidahoillinoisindianaiowakansasmainemassachusettsmichiganminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotautahvermontvirginiawashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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