The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is the most reliable source of population information for the Savannah Sparrow in Canada. The BBS covers over half the Canadian breeding population, although there is limited coverage in the northern portion of the range. BBS results indicate that the Savannah Sparrow population has shown a long-term and continuing decrease, with an almost 50% reduction in numbers since 1970. Populations within the Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) that host the species in Canada, and for which there are reasonably reliable BBS results (displayed below), all show moderate to large decreases, with the exception of the Prairie Potholes BCR, where the population appears to be similar or slightly larger to that of 1970. The Savannah Sparrow, which includes all subspecies except the princeps subspecies, is below the lowest acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see BBS Canada graph below).
The princeps subspecies is monitored by organised censuses and surveys on Sable Island, Nova Scotia (COSEWIC 2009b, Horn 2013). Results of those surveys indicate that abundance has increased since 1970, with an approximate doubling of the total subspecies population. The latest survey (2013) estimated 5498 individuals (standard error [SE] 528; Horn 2013); most surveys during the late-1960s and 1970s estimated 2100–3300 individuals on the island. The subspecies is listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) because of its restricted range and on-going threats; it is considered below acceptable levels until it is de-listed.
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis