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

Great Blue Heron Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesWetland birds

Great Blue Heron in South Dakota has held roughly steady: up 2% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+2%Since 1969
51Routes In State
57Years

Notable Great Blue Heron Trends in South Dakota

No notable trend signals for Great Blue Heron in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

Great Blue Heron Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Great Blue Heron in South Dakota is projected to rise about 108% by 2029 — from 0.32 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.66 (95% range 0.00–1.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±108.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+108%Change by 2029
0.66Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.595% range
±108.5%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
20250.650.001.5
20260.650.001.5
20270.660.001.5
20280.660.001.5
20290.660.001.5

Great Blue Heron Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Great Blue Heron in South Dakota.
Ottumwa720191980
Chamberlain420111968
Roswell420141985
Hayes420211989
Lane 2420142005
Winner320211970
Forbes320241967
Volunteer320191983
Turton320242008
Howard220211989
White Lake220111985
Geddes220231988
Britton220191983
French Creek220052005
Roubaix Lk219891989
Maurine220191982
Reva220192016
Lacreek220231991
Pioneer220091992
S. Pioneer220211995
Wind Cave Np220192006
Lennox119961976
Tripp120151998
Rosebud119891988
Rockyford120211976

Great Blue Heron 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.