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

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Connecticut

All statesForest birds

Downy Woodpecker in Connecticut has edged up: up 11% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+11%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
20Routes 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 →
58YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Downy Woodpecker Trends in ConnecticutNotable 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 Downy Woodpecker in Connecticut. See the full index history below.

Downy Woodpecker Population Forecast in Connecticut

If the recent trend holds, Downy Woodpecker in Connecticut is projected to rise about 63% by 2029 — from 5.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 8.1 (95% range 4.8–11). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±41.9%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+63%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 →
8.1Projected 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 →
4.8–1195% 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 →
±41.9%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, Downy Woodpecker in Connecticut is projected to rise about 63% by 2029 — from 5.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 8.1 (95% range 4.8–11). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±41.9%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20257.84.511
20267.94.611
20278.04.711
20288.14.711
20298.14.811

Downy Woodpecker Survey Routes in Connecticut

Routes recording Downy Woodpecker in Connecticut.
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 →
Warren2020111972
Uncasville1620241973
Greenwich1220181967
Long Hill920191972
Westbrook820241969
Warren 2720242012
Sherman620191972
Mystic520231974
E Hartland519921966
Willimantic520181967
Mid Haddam520241973
Danbury420231968
Buckingham320221966
New Hartford319871973
Woodstock 2320242016
Woodstock220071968
No Woodbury220241967
Granby220241988
Southington120241974
New Hartford120241994

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradodelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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