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Species · Maryland · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

White-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Maryland

All statesForest birds

White-breasted Nuthatch in Maryland has surged: up 11× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

11×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 →
66Routes 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 →
58YearsYears 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 MarylandNotable 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 Maryland: up 11× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

White-breasted Nuthatch Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, White-breasted Nuthatch in Maryland is projected to fall about 15% by 2029 — from 6.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.2 (95% range 4.0–6.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±17.5%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-15%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 →
5.2Projected 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 →
4.0–6.395% 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 →
±17.5%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 →
19662029
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 →
20254.83.66.0
20264.93.76.1
20275.03.86.2
20285.13.96.2
20295.24.06.3

White-breasted Nuthatch Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording White-breasted Nuthatch in Maryland.
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 →
Wheaton2420241990
Island Creek2320242001
Jennings2020241995
Ijamsville2020241988
Earlton1820242014
Green Ridge1720241995
Olney1320241967
Madonna1320222009
Forest Grove1320232011
Pomfret1220241967
Oldtown1120241970
Eklo1120181968
Pomonkey1120241968
Van Bibber820131966
Accident 2820242018
Pr Frederick820241997
Smithsburg720141968
Emmitsburg720241967
Norwood720121982
Beltsville720121988
Hughesville720241967
Davidsnville720241984
Williamsport620241985
Accident620171992
Potomac Park520241970

White-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Other States

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

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