BirdAnalyst
Species · Colorado · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Colorado

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Colorado has declined: down 48% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-48%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 →
148Routes 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 →
57YearsYears 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 14% by 2030 — from 49 in 2025 to a central estimate of 42 (95% range 7.9–76). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±5.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-14%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 →
42Projected 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 →
7.9–7695% 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 →
±5.5%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 Meadowlark in Colorado is projected to fall about 14% by 2030 — from 49 in 2025 to a central estimate of 42 (95% range 7.9–76). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±5.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682030
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 →
2026471382
2027461280
2028451179
2029439.278
2030427.976

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
Wildhorse L31220251988
Doyle Bridge24919971992
Campo21120251988
Last Chance 220020252017
Hudson18420251988
Rockport18320241994
Pinneo17920251973
Abarr17820241968
Amherst17220241992
Prospect Valley 217220252001
Adams Co.16320221989
Crowley16320241989
Waverly15920191988
Trinchera14920251990
Karval14720251995
Fleming14620251968
Boyero13820171979
Cheyenne13520251990
Edler13320251992
Limon12420251992
Rush12220251983
Bennett12220251995
Flagler12220251997
Arsenal 212220252016

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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