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Species · Oklahoma · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Oklahoma

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in Oklahoma has surged: up 31× on the route-weighted index since 1972.

31×Since 1972TrendPercent 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 →
56Routes 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 →
54YearsYears 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 OklahomaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Western Cattle-Egret has surged in Oklahoma: up 31× on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in Oklahoma

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in Oklahoma is projected to fall about 27% by 2029 — from 10 in 2024 to a central estimate of 7.5 (95% range 0.00–27). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±628.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-27%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
7.5Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–2795% 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 →
±628.4%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 Oklahoma is projected to fall about 27% by 2029 — from 10 in 2024 to a central estimate of 7.5 (95% range 0.00–27). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±628.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19692029
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 →
20257.90.0027
20267.80.0027
20277.70.0027
20287.60.0027
20297.50.0027

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in Oklahoma

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in Oklahoma.
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 →
Jet29520241992
Elgin16220161994
Randlett12820031992
Wichita Mts West10320132011
Wainwright9820051992
Verden8020171969
Goodwater5320211994
Eagle City5220091990
Wichita Mtns East4520182009
Sandbluff3919931992
Cookietown3820021984
Loco3619851983
Baron2920041981
Collinsville2020061983
Douglas1920131995
Blanco1720031974
Holdenville1620221977
Pocola1520071992
Cooperton1420221998
Mcalester1319911972
Phillips1320081980
Tatums1220221993
Phroso1220091993
Bethel819961995
Colcord820051992

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradodelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiopennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawisconsinwyoming

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