The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) covers over half the Canadian breeding population of the Eastern Phoebe and is the most reliable source of information on population change. The population has fluctuated substantially over time with an overall 24% decrease in numbers since the early 1970s. This magnitude of decrease is on border between what is considered "little overall change" and a moderate decrease. The graph of annual indices demonstrates that numbers increased in the early 1970s, then dropped sharply in the later part of that decade, apparently a result of severe winter weather (Weeks 2011). Since then the population has remained at a relatively similar level to that of the early 1970s. Regional trends vary from a decrease in the Northern Rockies Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) to increasing or stable populations elsewhere (all BCRs with reasonably reliable results are displayed below). Because the population fluctuated so widely during the 1970s, the national goal for Eastern Phoebe is based on the average abundance over the first 10 years of the BBS (rather than the first 5 years as for most other species) to better represent its early population level. The species is considered below the lowest acceptable level relative to its national population goal. In contrast, the continental population has increased by about 38% since 1970, suggesting the Eastern Phoebe is faring well in the United States.
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis