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

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in North Dakota

All statesForest birds

Downy Woodpecker in North Dakota has surged: up 129% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+129%Since 1969
39Routes In State
55Years

Notable Downy Woodpecker Trends in North Dakota

long arc increasecomputed index

Downy Woodpecker has surged in North Dakota: up 129% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Downy Woodpecker Population Forecast in North Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Downy Woodpecker in North Dakota is projected to rise about 51% by 2029 — from 0.18 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.28 (95% range 0.04–0.51). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±129.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+51%Change by 2029
0.28Projected 2029 index
0.04–0.5195% range
±129.9%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
20250.270.040.51
20260.270.040.51
20270.280.040.51
20280.280.040.51
20290.280.040.51

Downy Woodpecker Survey Routes in North Dakota

Routes recording Downy Woodpecker in North Dakota.
Edgeley220211988
Lake George220221983
Wimbledon220181992
Buchanan220221981
Dickinson220212015
Stanley220161990
Zap220111983
Braddock220121990
Montpelier220241992
Forman120181977
Walcott120061967
Kempton120131973
Emerado120221973
Cooperstown120241972
Horsehead Lk120141983
Bowesmont119951971
Nash120041983
Lakota120031999
Webster120071997
Rolla120212003
Niles120111992
Regan120222013
Ft Yates120032003
Carpio119711971
Loraine120151990

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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