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

Killdeer Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesShorebirds

Killdeer in North Carolina has surged: up 21× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

21×Since 1968
96Routes In State
58Years

Notable Killdeer Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Killdeer has surged in North Carolina: up 21× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Killdeer Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Killdeer in North Carolina is projected to rise about 52% by 2029 — from 3.7 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.7 (95% range 4.1–7.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±49.7%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+52%Change by 2029
5.7Projected 2029 index
4.1–7.395% range
±49.7%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
20255.33.77.0
20265.43.87.1
20275.53.97.1
20285.64.07.2
20295.74.17.3

Killdeer Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Killdeer in North Carolina.
Speed2520241970
Dortches2120241990
Dudley1920242002
Jamesville1720241983
Pinetops1620241997
Rowland1220241990
Maple Hill1120232000
California1020131973
Cypress Lakes1020242004
Rose920241974
Lloyd Xroads920241991
Jarvisburg919991992
Jackson920171995
Rheasville920172005
Mooresville819961979
Genoa820241990
Hertford820241997
Siloam820242005
Congleton820242001
Cypress Cr720221994
Hamlet720242002
Sheffield720241991
Ernul620092002
Montague520241990
Biscoe520101990

Killdeer 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.