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

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Kentucky

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in Kentucky has surged: up 429% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

+429%Since 1988
8Routes In State
20Years

Notable Western Cattle-Egret Trends in Kentucky

long arc increasecomputed index

Western Cattle-Egret has surged in Kentucky: up 429% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in Kentucky

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in Kentucky is projected to rise about 390% by 2029 — from 0.11 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.52 (95% range 0.04–1.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±115%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+390%Change by 2029
0.52Projected 2029 index
0.04–1.095% range
±115%Backtest error
19672029
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
20250.490.010.97
20260.500.020.98
20270.510.030.99
20280.520.041.00
20290.520.041.0

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in Kentucky

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in Kentucky.
Joy2020092009
Iron Bridge1519981967
Bardwell519921988
Canton320242008
Drakesboro219851985
Lovelacevile219851985
Keysburg220011998
Dixie120002000

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

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

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