BirdAnalyst
Species · Iowa · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Iowa

All statesForest birds

Downy Woodpecker in Iowa has increased: up 33% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+33%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 →
38Routes 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 IowaNotable 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 Iowa. See the full index history below.

Downy Woodpecker Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Downy Woodpecker in Iowa is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.89 (95% range 0.46–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-5%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
0.89Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.46–1.395% 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 →
±19.4%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 Iowa is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.89 (95% range 0.46–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672030
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 →
20260.880.451.3
20270.880.451.3
20280.890.451.3
20290.890.451.3
20300.890.461.3

Downy Woodpecker Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Downy Woodpecker in Iowa.
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 →
Mt Hamill520251967
Festina520251968
College Spgs420041968
Prairieburg419991977
Hudson420251967
Red Rock320251970
Lafayette320242003
Exline220251984
Cedar Valley219971968
Neola220141968
Alice219991969
Kanawha220242016
Zearing219951970
Clare220151975
Davis Corner220251970
Melrose120251977
Bedford120181968
Bryant120251968
West Liberty120231968
Brooklyn120251967
Williamsburg120231967
Desmoines119781968
Panther120251967
Washington120241967
Wales120251967

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

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

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.