The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides the best available monitoring information for LeConte's Sparrow in Canada, though it covers only about one-third of the breeding population. The abundance of LeConte's Sparrow fluctuates markedly from year-to-year, with higher abundance in "wet" years than in "dry" (Lowther 2005), complicating the interpretation of results. Despite annual fluctuations, BBS results suggest a 66% decrease in numbers relative to the early 1970s. Decreases of varying degrees are found in all Bird Conservation Regions for which reasonably reliable results are available (displayed below). The Christmas Bird Count, which covers the species on its United States' wintering range, provides a secondary source of information and suggests a smaller magnitude of decrease (-21%). About 90% of LeConte's Sparrows breed in Canada so these continental results should largely reflects the situation in Canada. Relying mainly on the BBS, LeConte's Sparrow is thought to have shown a large decrease in abundance since 1970, but the magnitude of that decline is somewhat uncertain. The species is considered below acceptable levels of its national population goal (see BBS Canada graph below).
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis
Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
