BirdAnalyst
Species · Illinois · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

American Woodcock Population Trend in Illinois

All statesShorebirds

American Woodcock in Illinois has edged up: up 17% on the route-weighted index since 1981.

+17%Since 1981TrendPercent 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 →
24Routes 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 →
23YearsYears 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 Woodcock Trends in IllinoisNotable 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 Woodcock in Illinois. See the full index history below.

American Woodcock Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, American Woodcock in Illinois is projected to stay roughly flat through 2028, near 0.03 (95% range 0.00–0.06). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±98.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2028TrendPercent 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 →
0.03Projected 2028 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.0695% 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 →
±98.9%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 Woodcock in Illinois is projected to stay roughly flat through 2028, near 0.03 (95% range 0.00–0.06). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±98.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19712028
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 →
20240.030.000.06
20250.030.000.06
20260.030.000.06
20270.030.000.06
20280.030.000.06

American Woodcock Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording American Woodcock in Illinois.
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 →
Sterling320192019
Delwood220011982
Camp Point219951995
Wayne120232019
Chandlervill119811981
Cameron120222022
Bartonville119831983
Pawnee119891989
Columbia119781978
Mascoutah Lk119931993
Beaucoup120222022
Grape Creek120032003
Olney120091982
Concord West120152015
Birds119811981
Dudleyville120162016
Belknap119711971
Beaverdam Lk120042004
Karnak120092009
Seneca120161995
Duncan Mills119931993
Eldred119961996
Sandusky119951995
Cave In Rock120012001

American Woodcock Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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