Species · Pennsylvania · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Black Vulture Population Trend in Pennsylvania

Black Vulture in Pennsylvania has surged: up 490% on the route-weighted index since 1979.

+490%Since 1979
49Routes In State
42Years

Notable Black Vulture Trends in Pennsylvania

long arc increasecomputed index

Black Vulture has surged in Pennsylvania: up 490% on the route-weighted index since 1979.

Black Vulture Population Forecast in Pennsylvania

If the recent trend holds, Black Vulture in Pennsylvania is projected to rise about 100% by 2029 — from 0.20 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.40 (95% range 0.00–0.81). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±113.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+100%Change by 2029
0.40Projected 2029 index
0.000.8195% range
±113.5%Backtest error
19702029
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
20250.370.000.77
20260.380.000.78
20270.390.000.79
20280.400.000.80
20290.400.000.81

Black Vulture Survey Routes in Pennsylvania

Routes recording Black Vulture in Pennsylvania.
Mt Gretna 23720172006
Landisburg1020171981
Drehersville 2720212006
Doe Run620211979
Berwick420222022
Doylesburg420232015
Ryde420032003
Peru Mills420171989
Jacobus420242010
Aspers419881988
Lovelton320222022
Honesdale320232023
Schaefferstown 2320242008
Shrewsbury320211997
Middletown320241992
Leola220232014
Rosecrans220132013
Mount Joy220241988
Brunnerville 2220212016
Williamsburg220132008
St College220171993
Bendersville220231997
Chatham220241998
New Ringgold220152015
Clearfield220212012

Black Vulture Population Trend in Other States

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