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Species · Florida · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Florida

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in Florida has fallen sharply: down 53% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-53%Since 1968
123Routes In State
58Years

Notable Western Cattle-Egret Trends in Florida

long arc declinecomputed index

Western Cattle-Egret has fallen sharply in Florida: down 53% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in Florida

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in Florida is projected to rise about 15% by 2029 — from 20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 23 (95% range 3.4–44). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±45%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+15%Change by 2029
23Projected 2029 index
3.4–4495% range
±45%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
2025265.946
2026255.245
2027254.645
2028244.044
2029233.444

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in Florida

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in Florida.
Eglin A.F.B.16120111995
Babcock Rnch12019901988
St Lucie11720241987
Dowling Park11520231987
Hildreth11520071987
Alturas11119861971
Flemington10619991987
Mabel 210420192012
Mt. Olive10320242002
Nobleton8820241987
Dale Mabry8319881966
Micanopy8019911966
San Antonio8020241967
Pennywash Cr7420241987
Shawano7220021987
Myakka Head6820111966
Mabel6820111966
Belmore6220241966
Sanderson6220211966
Myakka Head 26020212012
Kendall5919911987
New Hope5820112009
Devils Gardn5620241987
Hildreth 25520242010
Gardner5419991987

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

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

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