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Species · Georgia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Georgia

All statesForest birds

Downy Woodpecker in Georgia has surged: up 87% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+87%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 →
111Routes 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 GeorgiaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Downy Woodpecker has surged in Georgia: up 87% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Downy Woodpecker Population Forecast in Georgia

If the recent trend holds, Downy Woodpecker in Georgia is projected to rise about 10% by 2029 — from 3.8 in 2024 to a central estimate of 4.2 (95% range 3.1–5.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±13.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+10%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 →
4.2Projected 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 →
3.1–5.295% 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 →
±13.1%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, Downy Woodpecker in Georgia is projected to rise about 10% by 2029 — from 3.8 in 2024 to a central estimate of 4.2 (95% range 3.1–5.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±13.1%, 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 →
20254.13.05.1
20264.13.05.2
20274.13.05.2
20284.13.15.2
20294.23.15.2

Downy Woodpecker Survey Routes in Georgia

Routes recording Downy Woodpecker in Georgia.
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 →
Hollonville 21720222019
Everett City1320191977
Juliette1320241976
Rutledge1020241975
Ball Ground1020212019
Union1020232011
Woodstock1020212006
Hiram920181975
Douglas919841978
Dickey920182013
Rock Branch920242005
Darien820191966
Wrightsville820241966
Maxeys820241966
Colonels Island820232005
Kite Lake820232015
Davis Crossroads820212011
Stockton720241977
Nashville720241979
Shannon720191976
Boston720241990
Folkston720211997
Lakeview720242006
Candler720242009
Hawkinsville620241970

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

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

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