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

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Oregon

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Oregon has declined: down 37% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-37%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 →
109Routes 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 OregonNotable 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 Oregon. See the full index history below.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Oregon

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Oregon is projected to fall about 50% by 2029 — from 24 in 2024 to a central estimate of 12 (95% range 0.00–26). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±48.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-50%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 →
12Projected 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 →
0.00–2695% 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 →
±48.2%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 Oregon is projected to fall about 50% by 2029 — from 24 in 2024 to a central estimate of 12 (95% range 0.00–26). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±48.2%, with 100% 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 →
2025140.0028
2026130.0028
2027130.0027
2028120.0027
2029120.0026

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Oregon

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Oregon.
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 →
Zumwalt25620051995
Sheaville22120242012
Alvord Lake14320241968
Willow Spg13819711969
Harney Lake13120241993
Catlow Rim12520241993
Malheur Res.12520232022
Three Forks12020242003
Blitzen 210720241994
Ordnance10319791971
Umatilla9320231988
Crowley9220241983
Princeton9219851972
Malheur Nwr9120221986
Adrian8620211984
Madras8620241997
Crane8420241993
Mikkalo7920231996
Green Mtn.7020241994
Crooked Riv.6920241994
Buchanan6820241971
Trout Creek6820211996
Bowden Hills6720241999
Bridgeport6120221986
Wagontire6120241968

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

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