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Species · Maryland · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Maryland

All statesForest birds

Downy Woodpecker in Maryland has increased: up 44% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+44%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 →
76Routes 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 →
59YearsYears 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 MarylandNotable 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 Maryland. See the full index history below.

Downy Woodpecker Population Forecast in Maryland

If the recent trend holds, Downy Woodpecker in Maryland is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 5.1 (95% range 3.5–6.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.7%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+0%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 →
5.1Projected 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 →
3.5–6.895% 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 →
±19.7%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 Maryland is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 5.1 (95% range 3.5–6.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.7%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
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 →
20265.03.46.6
20275.03.46.7
20285.13.56.7
20295.13.56.7
20305.13.56.8

Downy Woodpecker Survey Routes in Maryland

Routes recording Downy Woodpecker in Maryland.
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 →
Wheaton2020251990
Madison1620251966
Earlton1620242014
Island Creek1520251991
Ijamsville1320251986
Smithsburg1220141967
Honga1220251966
Forest Grove1220232011
Furnace Town1220252015
Olney1120251966
Madonna1120222009
Silver Spg1019891966
Beltsville1020121966
Norwood920121966
Eklo920181966
Emmitsburg820251966
Pt Republic819891966
Jennings820251995
Cokesbury720251966
Finzel720251997
Tall Timbers620141966
La Plata620091966
Pomonkey620251966
Mardela620191967
Walnut620241999

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

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

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