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

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Idaho

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Idaho 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 →
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 →
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 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 33% by 2029 — from 23 in 2024 to a central estimate of 31 (95% range 14–48). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±56.4%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+33%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 →
31Projected 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 →
14–4895% 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 →
±56.4%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 Meadowlark in Idaho is projected to rise about 33% by 2029 — from 23 in 2024 to a central estimate of 31 (95% range 14–48). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±56.4%, with 80% 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 →
2025321549
2026321549
2027321549
2028311448
2029311448

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
Dubois12720241968
Carey11920181989
Crane Creek8520191988
Daniels Res8020191988
Pasadena Val7820161987
Picabo5720211988
Lost River5320241985
Silver City5220241989
Kyle Canyon5120241985
Cedar Hill4220241989
Grangeville4119861986
Tractor Flat4120241985
Hot Spring4120141988
Preston4120231988
Blackft Res4020181984
Henry3919831973
Craters3320181979
Dougal Res3320241988
Triangle3220241985
Twin Buttes2820241985
Iron Springs2820241988
Almo2520231988
Bates2420231988
Acequia2120121979

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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