Species · Illinois · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Hooded Merganser Population Trend in Illinois

Hooded Merganser in Illinois has collapsed: down 77% on the route-weighted index since 1994.

-77%Since 1994
18Routes In State
22Years

Notable Hooded Merganser Trends in Illinois

long arc declinecomputed index

Hooded Merganser has collapsed in Illinois: down 77% on the route-weighted index since 1994.

Hooded Merganser Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Hooded Merganser in Illinois is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.14). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±353.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.04Projected 2029 index
0.000.1495% range
±353.8%Backtest error
19702029
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
20250.040.000.14
20260.040.000.14
20270.040.000.14
20280.040.000.14
20290.040.000.14

Hooded Merganser Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Hooded Merganser in Illinois.
Cameron619891989
Beaverdam Lk519951970
Troy Grove420182018
Camp Point320112011
Concord West220102010
Newark220102010
Gulfport220142013
Seneca120242015
Payson120162016
Pawnee119981994
Kell120062006
Jamestown120122004
Beaucoup120122011
Grape Creek120222004
Olney120172017
Pulaski119961996
Dudleyville120102010
Minonk120042004

Hooded Merganser Population Trend in Other States

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