BirdAnalyst
Species · Kentucky · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Killdeer Population Trend in Kentucky

All statesShorebirds

Killdeer in Kentucky has risen sharply: up 73% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+73%Since 1968
58Routes In State
58Years

Notable Killdeer Trends in Kentucky

long arc increasecomputed index

Killdeer has risen sharply in Kentucky: up 73% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Killdeer Population Forecast in Kentucky

If the recent trend holds, Killdeer in Kentucky is projected to rise about 30% by 2029 — from 4.3 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.5 (95% range 2.2–8.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±37.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+30%Change by 2029
5.5Projected 2029 index
2.2–8.895% range
±37.6%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
20255.52.28.8
20265.52.28.8
20275.52.28.8
20285.52.28.8
20295.52.28.8

Killdeer Survey Routes in Kentucky

Routes recording Killdeer in Kentucky.
Merrimac1620241967
Hodgenville 21520232008
Kehoe1419921968
Pleasurevill1320241979
Goshen1219991967
Keysburg1120241968
Million1119861966
Morganfield1120242022
Bays Fork1020191999
Levee819821966
Iron Bridge719981966
Boxville719831966
Gesling719721972
Cedar Grove620241966
Sulphur Lick620241967
Sunnybrook620221974
Hodgenville620031967
Canton520241969
Hudson520241966
Eastview520241967
Hustonville420241967
Johnsonville420211966
Drakesboro419931971
Daniel Boone419881969
Dixie420191970

Killdeer Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaslouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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