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

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesGeneralists

Burrowing Owl in South Dakota has held roughly steady: up 5% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+5%Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
41Routes 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 →
56YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Burrowing Owl Trends in South DakotaNotable 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 Burrowing Owl in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

Burrowing Owl Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Burrowing Owl in South Dakota is projected to fall about 42% by 2029 — from 0.95 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.55 (95% range 0.00–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±50.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-42%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
0.55Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–1.395% 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 →
±50.1%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, Burrowing Owl in South Dakota is projected to fall about 42% by 2029 — from 0.95 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.55 (95% range 0.00–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±50.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20250.550.001.3
20260.550.001.3
20270.550.001.3
20280.550.001.3
20290.550.001.3

Burrowing Owl Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Burrowing Owl in South Dakota.
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 →
Maurine620241992
Promise520141972
Pioneer420241992
Ft Thompson320071969
S. Pioneer320242003
Badlands320231984
Lacreek320231997
Wind Cave Np320242003
Chamberlain219781968
Cottonwood220241992
Railroad Butte220222002
Conde219671967
Volunteer220131968
Ottumwa220181969
Gorman220062006
Reva220241979
Hayes220231991
Lennox119881988
Tripp119711968
White Lake120081967
Geddes119881968
Winner120132005
Rosebud119881967
Rockyford120231972
Roswell119771969

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradofloridaidahokansasmontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregontexasutahwashingtonwyoming

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