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Species · Nebraska · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Nebraska

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Nebraska has edged down: down 22% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-22%Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
76Routes 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 NebraskaNotable 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 Nebraska. See the full index history below.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Nebraska

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Nebraska is projected to rise about 24% by 2029 — from 87 in 2024 to a central estimate of 107 (95% range 76–139). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±46.2%, with 0% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+24%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 →
107Projected 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 →
76–13995% 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 →
±46.2%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 Nebraska is projected to rise about 24% by 2029 — from 87 in 2024 to a central estimate of 107 (95% range 76–139). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±46.2%, with 0% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
202510876139
202610876139
202710776139
202810776139
202910776139

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Nebraska

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Nebraska.
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 →
Oglala Nat. Grass.38320231999
Arthur34920241985
Hay Springs33720242018
Marsland27620212018
Brownlee26520241990
Agate 226020242002
Winside24820031967
Mullen24020231990
Crookston20020242018
Swan Lake19820231969
Gordon19520241975
Bartlett18819761967
Ringgold18520241985
Agate18120011967
Eagle Creek17320241967
Piester Lake16820241967
Crawford16420241980
Stratton16320241975
Dalton16220241968
Sumner15820241967
Chambers15720232023
Paxton14420161967
Berwyn13520101993
Berwyn 213020212014
Benkelman12720221986

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymichiganminnesotamissourimontananevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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