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

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Utah

All statesGrassland birds

Western Meadowlark in Utah has increased: up 39% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+39%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 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 stay roughly flat through 2029, near 24 (95% range 0.00–61). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-6%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 →
24Projected 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 →
0.00–6195% 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 →
±17%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 stay roughly flat through 2029, near 24 (95% range 0.00–61). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17%, 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 →
2025250.0063
2026250.0062
2027250.0062
2028240.0061
2029240.0061

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 →
Snowville26120241999
Goshen16020241968
Promontory15020241969
Timpie Spg11520031978
Leamington8320171992
Peplin Mountain8020241999
Goose Creek Mtn.7320231997
Grantsville7120242001
Neponset Res6620181995
Jericho Junction6020241997
Woodruff5920242002
Oak City5720241972
Fairfield5520241987
Vernal5520181999
Callao5320241992
Wendover5020111969
Kelton4719951992
Randolph4720241992
Saleratus Cr4720181995
Gold Hill4520241987
Pine Creek4420231997
E. Bear Lake4420221995
Jensen4320241992
Johnson Can4120241987
Iron Springs4020231979

Western Meadowlark Population Trend in Other States

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