BirdAnalyst
Species · North Dakota · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in North Dakota

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in North Dakota has surged: up 734% on the route-weighted index since 1996.

+734%Since 1996
8Routes In State
24Years

Notable Western Cattle-Egret Trends in North Dakota

long arc increasecomputed index

Western Cattle-Egret has surged in North Dakota: up 734% on the route-weighted index since 1996.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in North Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in North Dakota is projected to rise about 394% by 2028 — from 0.07 in 2023 to a central estimate of 0.35 (95% range 0.00–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±213.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+394%Change by 2028
0.35Projected 2028 index
0.00–1.195% range
±213.3%Backtest error
19942028
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
20240.340.001.1
20250.340.001.1
20260.340.001.1
20270.350.001.1
20280.350.001.1

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in North Dakota

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in North Dakota.
Horsehead Lk420141996
Lake George320222000
Forman220081994
Sheyenne Lk220231998
Buchanan220052005
Braddock220112011
Danzig120002000
Montpelier120062006

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradodelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomapennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawisconsinwyoming

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