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

European Starling Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesGeneralists

European Starling in South Dakota has increased: up 39% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+39%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 →
59Routes 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 →
57YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable European Starling Trends in South DakotaNotable 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 European Starling in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

European Starling Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, European Starling in South Dakota is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 6.6 (95% range 0.00–15). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±28.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-0%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 →
6.6Projected 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 →
0.00–1595% 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 →
±28.8%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, European Starling in South Dakota is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 6.6 (95% range 0.00–15). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±28.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20256.80.0015
20266.80.0015
20276.70.0015
20286.60.0015
20296.60.0015

European Starling Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording European Starling in South Dakota.
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 →
Indian4020241994
Veblen2720231968
Harding2520161967
White Lake2020111967
Wilmot1920241967
Lennox1820241967
Forbes1820241970
Lacreek1820231991
S. Pioneer1820231995
Owanka1220221967
Britton1120231967
Cedar Pass1120221974
Roswell1020141967
Railroad Butte1020181996
French Creek1020051995
Turton1020241985
Raymond920211968
Custer920241970
Lane 2920142000
Rockyford820231969
Tripp720241967
Howard720241970
Ft Thompson720111992
Conde719841967
Volunteer620191967

European Starling Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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