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

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Colorado

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Colorado has declined: down 47% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-47%Since 1970TrendPercent 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 →
147Routes 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 →
56YearsYears 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 Meadowlark Trends in ColoradoNotable 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 Meadowlark in Colorado. See the full index history below.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Colorado

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Colorado is projected to fall about 18% by 2029 — from 53 in 2024 to a central estimate of 43 (95% range 8.9–78). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±8.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-18%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 →
43Projected 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 →
8.9–7895% 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 →
±8.6%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 Meadowlark in Colorado is projected to fall about 18% by 2029 — from 53 in 2024 to a central estimate of 43 (95% range 8.9–78). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±8.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682029
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 →
2025491483
2026471382
2027461280
2028451079
2029438.978

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Colorado

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Colorado.
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 →
Mica Butte44419871968
Karval27420191995
Wildhorse L25220241988
Doyle Bridge24919971992
Pinneo23220191973
Bennett20120181995
Limon19520241992
Rockport18320241994
Abarr17820241968
Amherst17220241992
Adams Co.16320221989
Crowley16320241989
Nunn16220211995
Last Chance 216120242017
Waverly15920191988
Stoneham15320211992
Rush14520241983
Cheyenne14220241990
Trinchera14220221990
Paonia14220241992
Boyero13820171979
Prospect Valley 213820232001
Campo12920191988
Briggsdale12620241968
Lay12220241996

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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