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Species · North Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Hairy Woodpecker Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesForest birds

Hairy Woodpecker in North Carolina has risen sharply: up 51% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+51%Since 1968
100Routes In State
58Years

Notable Hairy Woodpecker Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Hairy Woodpecker has risen sharply in North Carolina: up 51% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Hairy Woodpecker Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Hairy Woodpecker in North Carolina is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.64 (95% range 0.28–1.00). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±51%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-3%Change by 2029
0.64Projected 2029 index
0.28–1.0095% range
±51%Backtest error
19662029
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
20250.620.260.98
20260.620.260.98
20270.630.270.99
20280.630.270.99
20290.640.281.00

Hairy Woodpecker Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Hairy Woodpecker in North Carolina.
California 2520242014
South. Pines519961996
Durham520241990
Osmond520222001
Craven Gap419721969
Bethel420112002
Highlands420241994
Sawmill320182002
Wilgrove320221995
Todd320221995
Hertford320172007
Jackson320161995
N. Mills Riv319951994
Merrimon220151968
Wards Corner220181966
Kinston220221979
Oakboro220211980
Brevard220241973
California220131973
Youngsville220241967
Supply220241992
Rowland220011990
Jamesville220241984
Hamlet220141995
Pinetops220212000

Hairy Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

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

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