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Species · Alabama · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Alabama

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in Alabama has surged: up 216% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+216%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 →
77Routes 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 Western Cattle-Egret Trends in AlabamaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Western Cattle-Egret has surged in Alabama: up 216% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in Alabama

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in Alabama is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 5.4 (95% range 0.00–14). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±61.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+1%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 →
5.4Projected 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 →
0.00–1495% 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 →
±61.7%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, Western Cattle-Egret in Alabama is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 5.4 (95% range 0.00–14). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±61.7%, with 100% 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 →
20265.70.0014
20275.70.0014
20285.60.0014
20295.50.0014
20305.40.0014

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in Alabama

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in Alabama.
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 →
Madrid8020231994
Harrell7420251968
Dauphin Is6219901967
Wheeler Dam5020252011
Brundidge2420211969
Guntersville2220022002
Fairview2120251989
Foley2019841969
St Florian1819911971
Brantley1820251972
Grangeburg1720241966
Kymulga1720252000
Mt. Gilead1620251993
Dauphin Is 31520212021
Cottonton1420251976
Linden1320231976
Lanett1320071970
Latham1319981967
Helicon1320251996
Elkmont1220251994
Choccolocco1220002000
Jasper1219981998
Autaugaville1120212006
Liberty City1019791979
Valhermoso Spgs919671967

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

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