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

Golden Eagle Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesGeneralists

Golden Eagle in South Dakota has increased: up 35% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

+35%Since 1973TrendPercent 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 →
25Routes 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 →
48YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Golden Eagle 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 Golden Eagle in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

Golden Eagle Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Golden Eagle in South Dakota is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.09 (95% range 0.00–0.21). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±57.9%, 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 →
0.09Projected 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 →
0.00–0.2195% 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 →
±57.9%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, Golden Eagle in South Dakota is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.09 (95% range 0.00–0.21). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±57.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19692029
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 →
20250.090.000.21
20260.090.000.21
20270.090.000.21
20280.090.000.21
20290.090.000.21

Golden Eagle Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Golden Eagle 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 →
Owanka220011983
Maurine220241973
Pioneer120211994
Geddes119991989
Cottonwood120181992
Rockyford119891987
S. Pioneer120231994
Indian120161996
Railroad Butte120172017
French Creek120041995
Wind Cave Np120111999
Roubaix Lk119691969
Volunteer120142014
Harding119971970
Cedar Pass119791979
Fort Pierre119981998
Reva120151985
Lodgepole120152015
Ardmore120141978
Badlands120142010
Lacreek119911991
Pleasant Val120142014
Elk Mountain119971997
Hazelrodt120001996
Lightning Cr120212021

Golden Eagle Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoidahomontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaoklahomaoregontexasutahwashingtonwyoming

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