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Species · Michigan · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

White-throated Sparrow Population Trend in Michigan

All statesForest birds

White-throated Sparrow in Michigan has increased: up 36% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+36%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 →
62Routes 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-throated Sparrow Trends in MichiganNotable 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 White-throated Sparrow in Michigan. See the full index history below.

White-throated Sparrow Population Forecast in Michigan

If the recent trend holds, White-throated Sparrow in Michigan is projected to rise about 42% by 2030 — from 5.0 in 2025 to a central estimate of 7.1 (95% range 3.7–11). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±81.4%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+42%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 →
7.1Projected 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 →
3.7–1195% 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 →
±81.4%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, White-throated Sparrow in Michigan is projected to rise about 42% by 2030 — from 5.0 in 2025 to a central estimate of 7.1 (95% range 3.7–11). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±81.4%, with 20% 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 →
20267.03.610
20277.03.610
20287.13.710
20297.13.711
20307.13.711

White-throated Sparrow Survey Routes in Michigan

Routes recording White-throated Sparrow in Michigan.
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 →
Brocky Lake4220251980
Gibbs City3820251979
Marenisco3520191981
Ontonagon2820191967
Imp Lake2320191992
Ishpeming2120251980
Ned Lake2020251986
Cunard1920211973
Bootjack1820231967
Sidnaw1720251993
Gilchrist1520211974
Raco1320251971
Herman1220221983
Crystal Fls1120251979
Pine River1120211992
Maple Grove1020251967
Cathro1020161967
Ensign1020102006
Tahquamenon920251974
Pickford920251973
Shingleton820251967
Muskallonge820241966
Hubbard Lake819961973
Cluster Lakes820102006
Gooseneck820102008

White-throated Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

connecticutmainemassachusettsminnesotanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-dakotapennsylvaniavermontwest-virginiawisconsin

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