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

Black Vulture Population Trend in South Carolina

All statesGeneralists

Black Vulture in South Carolina has surged: up 340% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+340%Since 1968
43Routes In State
55Years

Notable Black Vulture Trends in South Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Black Vulture has surged in South Carolina: up 340% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Black Vulture Population Forecast in South Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Black Vulture in South Carolina is projected to rise about 21% by 2029 — from 3.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 4.2 (95% range 1.4–7.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+21%Change by 2029
4.2Projected 2029 index
1.4–7.095% range
±19.6%Backtest error
19662029
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
20254.01.26.7
20264.01.36.8
20274.11.36.9
20284.21.46.9
20294.21.47.0

Black Vulture Survey Routes in South Carolina

Routes recording Black Vulture in South Carolina.
Dale3120241998
Blacksburg1820131999
Pinewood1820172000
Walterboro1620171970
Owings 21620242005
Rome1320231990
Olar820191998
Hardeeville620241967
New Ellenton620222018
Ridgeway620132010
Salem620232014
Holly Hill520221972
New Holland520241970
Coward420242005
Wagener420241967
Boykin Ml Pd419671966
Greenwood420191999
Barton Creek320221975
Bennettsville320172000
Jamestown220151968
Foreston220211971
Dillon220212021
Little Mtn219791967
Owings220041999
Plum Branch220231983

Black Vulture Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianakentuckylouisianamarylandmassachusettsmississippimissourinew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomapennsylvaniatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginia

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