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Species · Delaware · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Delaware

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in Delaware has declined: down 46% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-46%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 →
12Routes 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 →
45YearsYears 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 DelawareNotable 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 Western Cattle-Egret in Delaware. See the full index history below.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in Delaware

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in Delaware is projected to stay roughly flat through 2020, near 0.53 (95% range 0.00–5.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±170.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+5%Change by 2020TrendPercent 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 →
0.53Projected 2020 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–5.095% 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 →
±170.1%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 Delaware is projected to stay roughly flat through 2020, near 0.53 (95% range 0.00–5.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±170.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662020
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 →
20160.800.005.2
20170.730.005.2
20180.660.005.1
20190.590.005.0
20200.530.005.0

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in Delaware

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in Delaware.
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 →
Lowes Xrds1019861975
Holleyville519831972
Wilmington420131966
Bethany Bch419781971
Mt Pleasant320151968
Dover319871974
Harrington120011966
Frederica119921979
Frankford119951975
Milton119741967
Blackbird120021995
Pepperbox120021999

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradofloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawisconsinwyoming

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