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

Common Nighthawk Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesAerial insectivores

Common Nighthawk in South Dakota has surged: up 195% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+195%Since 1969
62Routes In State
57Years

Notable Common Nighthawk Trends in South Dakota

long arc increasecomputed index

Common Nighthawk has surged in South Dakota: up 194% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Common Nighthawk Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Common Nighthawk in South Dakota is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 2.4 (95% range 0.89–3.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±28.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-10%Change by 2029
2.4Projected 2029 index
0.89–3.995% range
±28.5%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20252.40.863.9
20262.40.873.9
20272.40.883.9
20282.40.883.9
20292.40.893.9

Common Nighthawk Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Common Nighthawk in South Dakota.
Railroad Butte3820221995
Harding1520191968
Pleasant Val1420241992
Wind Cave Np1320241999
Lacreek1220231991
Ardmore920191977
Elk Mountain920041992
French Creek920051995
Maurine820241969
Rockyford720231967
Owanka720221967
Rosebud520111967
Laplant520141971
Fort Pierre520241968
Eagle Butte520121990
Cottonwood520241992
Lightning Cr520221992
Silver City520021994
Geddes420231967
Ft Thompson420111969
Forbes420241984
Volunteer420191967
Cedar Pass420231967
Tripp320241976
Reva320231979

Common Nighthawk Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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