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

Black Vulture Population Trend in Illinois

All statesGeneralists

Black Vulture in Illinois has surged: up 112% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

+112%Since 1978
12Routes In State
38Years

Notable Black Vulture Trends in Illinois

long arc increasecomputed index

Black Vulture has surged in Illinois: up 112% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

Black Vulture Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Black Vulture in Illinois is projected to rise about 35% by 2029 — from 0.19 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.25 (95% range 0.09–0.41). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±40.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+35%Change by 2029
0.25Projected 2029 index
0.09–0.4195% range
±40.5%Backtest error
19752029
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
20250.230.070.39
20260.240.080.40
20270.240.080.40
20280.250.090.41
20290.250.090.41

Black Vulture Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Black Vulture in Illinois.
Beaverdam Lk720231993
Belknap520241975
Karnak420242003
Sandusky320181999
Columbia220242024
Pulaski220181986
Royalton120232023
Brownville120242024
Cave In Rock120241998
Dudleyville120212021
Bremen120242013
Delwood120221982

Black Vulture Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaindianakentuckylouisianamarylandmassachusettsmississippimissourinew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomapennsylvaniasouth-carolinatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginia

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