The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the most reliable source of data for the Eastern Towhee, with good coverage of the small breeding population in southern Canada. BBS results suggest that the population has exhibited a moderate decrease in numbers since about 1970. The steepest decline occurred prior to 1980, continued to a lesser extent up to 2000, and then stabilized somewhat at that lower level (see graph below). Varying levels of decrease are seen in all Bird Conservation Regions for which there are reasonably reliable results with the exception of the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Plain. The Eastern Towhee is a peripheral species in Canada and, despite the decrease in abundance, is still at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see Canada graph below). However, the large decrease seen throughout its North American range makes the maintenance of Canada's small population of greater concern. The lower acceptable level is set equal to the goal so that no further decrease is acceptable.
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis