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

American Goldfinch Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesForest birds

American Goldfinch in South Dakota has held roughly steady: up 2% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+2%Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
62Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
58YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable American Goldfinch Trends in South DakotaNotable 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 American Goldfinch in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

American Goldfinch Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, American Goldfinch in South Dakota is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 3.9 (95% range 1.8–6.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±32.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+0%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 →
3.9Projected 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 →
1.8–6.095% 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 →
±32.2%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, American Goldfinch in South Dakota is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 3.9 (95% range 1.8–6.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±32.2%, 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 →
20263.81.75.9
20273.81.75.9
20283.91.86.0
20293.91.86.0
20303.91.86.0

American Goldfinch Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording American Goldfinch in South Dakota.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Howard2620251970
Chamberlain1820111968
Lane 21720142000
Ft Thompson1620111967
Volga1520251967
Lane1519991967
Wind Cave Np1420251999
White Lake1220111967
Cottonwood919951994
Geddes820251967
Rosebud820111967
Lennox720251967
Promise620151971
Rockyford520251967
Wilmot520251967
Roswell420141967
Forbes420251967
Volunteer420251972
Gorman420101980
Marcus420121999
Badlands420251985
Conde319841967
Long Lake320191969
Roubaix Lk319911968
Reva320251979

American Goldfinch Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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