Species · Minnesota · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Minnesota

Western Meadowlark in Minnesota has collapsed: down 93% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-93%Since 1969
72Routes In State
57Years

Notable Western Meadowlark Trends in Minnesota

long arc declinecomputed index

Western Meadowlark has collapsed in Minnesota: down 93% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Minnesota

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Minnesota is projected to fall about 100% by 2029 — from 3.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.00 (95% range 0.00–12). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±406%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-100%Change by 2029
0.00Projected 2029 index
0.001295% range
±406%Backtest error
19672029
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
20250.000.0012
20260.000.0012
20270.000.0012
20280.000.0012
20290.000.0012

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Minnesota

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Minnesota.
Greenbush6720241993
Chandler4620231969
Erie4320171976
Badger4120181978
Lake Bronson4020111978
Grygla3520171976
Warroad2020241993
Wylie1720241969
Tracy1720242004
Ash Creek1520191975
Chokio North1220241993
Oklee1120211969
Beltrami1120241967
Glyndon820241978
Tyler720241993
Redwood Fall620161978
Tenney520161978
Lockhart520241993
Arlington420241967
Backus419961970
Lude420221978
Pine River320031967
Bemidji319801967
Debs320241969
Le Center319991993

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

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