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Species · Maine · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

White-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Maine

All statesForest birds

White-breasted Nuthatch in Maine has surged: up 233% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+233%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
64Routes 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 →
59YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable White-breasted Nuthatch Trends in MaineNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

White-breasted Nuthatch has surged in Maine: up 233% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

White-breasted Nuthatch Population Forecast in Maine

If the recent trend holds, White-breasted Nuthatch in Maine is projected to rise about 34% by 2030 — from 2.0 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.7 (95% range 1.7–3.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±20.5%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+34%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 →
2.7Projected 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 →
1.7–3.795% 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 →
±20.5%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, White-breasted Nuthatch in Maine is projected to rise about 34% by 2030 — from 2.0 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.7 (95% range 1.7–3.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±20.5%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
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 →
20262.51.53.5
20272.61.63.5
20282.61.63.6
20292.61.73.6
20302.71.73.7

White-breasted Nuthatch Survey Routes in Maine

Routes recording White-breasted Nuthatch in Maine.
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 →
Brooks2220211983
Westbrook1420241977
Bowdoin Ctr1420211976
Turner 21120252011
Cape Neddick1020231973
Greenwood720251972
Newcastle520241977
Turner520101972
Manchester519951971
Hermon520211988
Benedicta520221993
Hudson519991973
East Troy420211973
Searsport420242002
Topsfield419921990
Kittery Pt320251966
Otisfield Gr320151971
Freedom320221973
Hancock320251977
Brownfield 2320252010
Charleston320211975
Baxter319791979
Winn320221999
Medway320151992
Rome320241996

White-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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