BirdAnalyst
Species · Utah · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Utah

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Utah has increased: up 35% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+35%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 →
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 UtahNotable 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 Utah. See the full index history below.

Western Meadowlark Population Forecast in Utah

If the recent trend holds, Western Meadowlark in Utah is projected to rise about 16% by 2030 — from 20 in 2025 to a central estimate of 23 (95% range 0.00–60). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±23.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+16%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
23Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–6095% 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 →
±23.4%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 Utah is projected to rise about 16% by 2030 — from 20 in 2025 to a central estimate of 23 (95% range 0.00–60). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±23.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682030
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 →
2026250.0061
2027240.0061
2028240.0061
2029230.0060
2030230.0060

Western Meadowlark Survey Routes in Utah

Routes recording Western Meadowlark in Utah.
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 →
Goshen17020251968
Vernon12820251992
Snowville12820251999
Timpie Spg11520031978
Gold Hill9620251987
Leamington8320171992
Promontory7120251969
Grantsville7120252001
Neponset Res6620181995
Oak City5720241972
Fairfield5520241987
Vernal5520181999
Woodruff5420252002
Iron Springs 25320252024
Wendover5020111969
Kelton4719951992
Saleratus Cr4720181995
Jericho Junction4420251997
Wellington 34120252012
Johnson Can4120241987
Goose Creek Mtn.4120251997
Iron Springs4020231979
Callao4020251992
M Warner Res3820251993
Wellington 23720112003

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckymichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotatexaswashingtonwisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.