The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), although not an ideal survey design for such an uncommon species, covers the core of the species' breeding population in Canada. BBS results suggest a large population increase for the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher since about 1970. The second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario shows an expansion of the species' range in southern Ontario during the period between the two atlases (McCracken 2007). Interestingly, preliminary results from the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Québec do not show an increase in range or abundance in that portion of the species' range. BBS results for North America suggest the much larger continental population has shown little change. The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is is at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see Canada graph below).
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis
