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

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Illinois

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Illinois has collapsed: down 98% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-98%Since 1968
68Routes In State
58Years

Notable Western Meadowlark Trends in Illinois

long arc declinecomputed index

Western Meadowlark has collapsed in Illinois: down 98% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Illinois is projected to fall about 100% by 2029 — from 0.33 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.00 (95% range 0.00–4.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±540.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-100%Change by 2029
0.00Projected 2029 index
0.00–4.095% range
±540.4%Backtest error
19662029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20250.000.004.0
20260.000.004.0
20270.000.004.0
20280.000.004.0
20290.000.004.0

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Illinois.
Cherry Val1320021972
Monticello820241982
Atkinson620241966
Williamsfld620191973
Mill Creek520191966
Buda520231979
Fairbury420041976
Keithsburg420222001
Geneseo320171967
Newark320221969
Shannon320161993
Troy Grove320241993
Le Roy320001998
Darmstadt320062006
Holcomb220171971
Streator220241972
Sherburnvill220131967
Dailey220171992
Bluff Spgs220221982
Athensville219771971
Concord219711970
Pawnee219711968
Clarksdale219711968
Lake Summerset220192001
Mascoutah Lk220241967

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

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