BirdAnalyst
Guild · South Dakota · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Waterfowl In South Dakota

All statesSouth Dakota

14 species in this guild. As a group they are -17%Guild trendA mean-index aggregate across the species in this group — the structural direction of the guild, with individual-species noise smoothed out.Full methodology → since 1969.

Guild SignalsNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for waterfowl in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

Waterfowl In South Dakota Population Forecast

If the recent trend holds, Waterfowl in South Dakota is projected to rise about 61% by 2030 — from 1.6 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.6 (95% range 0.57–4.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±27.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+61%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
2.6Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.57–4.695% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±27.6%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Waterfowl in South Dakota is projected to rise about 61% by 2030 — from 1.6 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.6 (95% range 0.57–4.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±27.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20262.60.564.6
20272.60.564.6
20282.60.564.6
20292.60.564.6
20302.60.574.6

Member Species In South Dakota

Waterfowl species in South Dakota.
TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
RedheadAnatidae-72%
Northern PintailAnatidae-64%
Blue-winged TealAnatidae-60%
American WigeonAnatidae-49%
Northern ShovelerAnatidae-44%
GadwallAnatidae-33%
Lesser ScaupAnatidae-21%
MallardAnatidae-19%
Green-winged TealAnatidae+9%
Ruddy DuckAnatidae+9%
Ring-necked DuckAnatidae+37%
CanvasbackAnatidae+55%
Wood DuckAnatidae+221%
Canada GooseAnatidae28×

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.