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

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Idaho

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Idaho has declined: down 46% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-46%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 →
55Routes 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 IdahoNotable 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 Idaho. See the full index history below.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Idaho

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Idaho is projected to rise about 11% by 2030 — from 27 in 2025 to a central estimate of 30 (95% range 13–47). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±59.6%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+11%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 →
30Projected 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 →
13–4795% 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 →
±59.6%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 Idaho is projected to rise about 11% by 2030 — from 27 in 2025 to a central estimate of 30 (95% range 13–47). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±59.6%, with 80% 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 →
2026311448
2027311448
2028311448
2029301347
2030301347

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Idaho

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Idaho.
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 →
Glenns Ferry25819861968
Hot Spring13020251988
Dubois12920251968
Daniels Res8820251988
Crane Creek8520191988
Pasadena Val7820161987
Tractor Flat7520251985
Triangle6620251985
Kyle Canyon6620251985
Carey5920251989
Twin Buttes5120251985
Silver City5020251989
Lost River4820251985
Cedar Hill4220241989
Grangeville4119861986
Preston4120231988
Blackft Res4020181984
Henry3919831973
Craters3320181979
Circular Bu2820251985
Iron Springs2820241988
Picabo2720251988
Bates2420231988
Squirrel2220251971
Sawtooth City 22220252015

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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