BirdAnalyst
Species · South Dakota · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

American White Pelican Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesWetland birds

American White Pelican in South Dakota has declined: down 46% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

-46%Since 1969
27Routes In State
51Years

Notable American White Pelican Trends in South Dakota

No notable trend signals for American White Pelican in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

American White Pelican Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, American White Pelican in South Dakota is projected to rise about 345% by 2029 — from 0.55 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.4 (95% range 0.00–5.4). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±85.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+345%Change by 2029
2.4Projected 2029 index
0.00–5.495% range
±85.9%Backtest error
19672029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20252.30.005.4
20262.40.005.4
20272.40.005.4
20282.40.005.4
20292.40.005.4

American White Pelican Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording American White Pelican in South Dakota.
Raymond6120211984
Britton2020231972
Pioneer1820021995
Harding1520162016
Promise1419731973
Turton1120232007
Howard1020221990
Long Lake1020191978
Roswell820141990
Ardmore620191994
Wilmot520241979
Forbes520241967
Gettysburg519921992
Geddes420232023
Chamberlain419691969
Winner420072004
Cottonwood420072003
Ft Thompson320071968
Badlands320061994
White River320001994
Volga220241987
Ottumwa220191970
Lacreek220231991
S. Pioneer120111996
Railroad Butte120102010

American White Pelican Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniacoloradoidahoiowakansaslouisianaminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregontexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.