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

Hairy Woodpecker Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesForest birds

Hairy Woodpecker in South Dakota has surged: up 128% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+128%Since 1969
41Routes In State
57Years

Notable Hairy Woodpecker Trends in South Dakota

long arc increasecomputed index

Hairy Woodpecker has surged in South Dakota: up 128% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Hairy Woodpecker Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Hairy Woodpecker in South Dakota is projected to rise about 21% by 2029 — from 0.55 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.66 (95% range 0.23–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±153.7%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+21%Change by 2029
0.66Projected 2029 index
0.23–1.195% range
±153.7%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
20250.630.201.1
20260.640.211.1
20270.640.211.1
20280.650.221.1
20290.660.231.1

Hairy Woodpecker Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Hairy Woodpecker in South Dakota.
Rochford1920181996
Elk Mountain920041992
Roubaix Lk619911967
Custer620241968
Black Fox620171992
Englewood620211992
Norbeck520021992
Promise420121972
Howard220241976
Ft Thompson220112011
Britton220171983
Badlands220041982
Hill City220131993
Silver City220021992
Lennox120111984
Tripp119981998
Geddes120041990
Chamberlain119711971
Winner120181989
Rosebud120072006
Rockyford119891967
Volga120191969
Roswell119871987
Broadland120022000
Crow Creek120162016

Hairy Woodpecker 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.