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Species · Oklahoma · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Oklahoma

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Oklahoma has edged up: up 19% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+19%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 →
46Routes 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 OklahomaNotable 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 Oklahoma. See the full index history below.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Oklahoma

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Oklahoma is projected to fall about 19% by 2029 — from 33 in 2024 to a central estimate of 27 (95% range 11–42). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±23.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-19%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 →
27Projected 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 →
11–4295% 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 →
±23.1%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 Oklahoma is projected to fall about 19% by 2029 — from 33 in 2024 to a central estimate of 27 (95% range 11–42). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±23.1%, with 100% 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 →
2025271142
2026271142
2027271142
2028271142
2029271142

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Oklahoma

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Oklahoma.
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 →
Hooker29320241992
Clear Lake21820241992
Hardesty16320241970
Keyes13920241992
Beaver13020181979
Felt10820241968
Rosston6220181967
Reed3220191968
Chester2919881967
Cooperton1920241992
Colony1719951995
Randlett1320051971
Wichita Mts West1020172014
Lookout920231967
Arapaho720141992
Grimes620241967
Douglas620211967
Eagle City520051967
Tegarden520151967
Tatums520092004
Woodward520241992
Cookietown420061969
Duncan420171990
Mill Creek319991973
Elgin320152013

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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