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Species · Georgia · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Georgia

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in Georgia has edged up: up 21% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+21%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 →
72Routes 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 GeorgiaNotable 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 Georgia. See the full index history below.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in Georgia

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in Georgia is projected to fall about 22% by 2030 — from 9.8 in 2025 to a central estimate of 7.6 (95% range 0.00–16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±10.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-22%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 →
7.6Projected 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 →
0.00–1695% 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 →
±10.5%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 Georgia is projected to fall about 22% by 2030 — from 9.8 in 2025 to a central estimate of 7.6 (95% range 0.00–16). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±10.5%, 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 →
20268.00.0016
20277.90.0016
20287.80.0016
20297.70.0016
20307.60.0016

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in Georgia

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in Georgia.
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 →
Boston10820251975
Douglas8219841978
Philema6120252010
Ousley5320252015
Shiloh4420252012
Bethany4220252012
Juliette3819811981
Riceboro3220231995
Newton2720251975
Stockbridge2720022002
Hawkinsville2520241966
Stockton2320251977
Coffee Co2320251986
Grovetown2119921981
Cotton2020251972
Roland2020062006
Fitzgerald1920251967
Guyton1919931966
Wadley1820251978
Glenmore1820252013
Weber1820252006
Minter Tweed1820252006
Cuthbert1620251967
Lyons1619941966
Nashville1620251975

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

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

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