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

Mallard Population Trend in Illinois

All statesWaterfowl

Mallard in Illinois has surged: up 249% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+249%Since 1968
100Routes In State
58Years

Notable Mallard Trends in Illinois

long arc increasecomputed index

Mallard has surged in Illinois: up 249% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Mallard Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Mallard in Illinois is projected to rise about 46% by 2029 — from 1.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.5 (95% range 0.00–3.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±86.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+46%Change by 2029
1.5Projected 2029 index
0.00–3.295% range
±86.3%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
20251.50.003.2
20261.50.003.2
20271.50.003.2
20281.50.003.2
20291.50.003.2

Mallard Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Mallard in Illinois.
Yorkville12020182001
Putnam6520171975
New Lenox5720191966
Sherburnvill1720221967
Itasca1620241973
Wayne1420241967
Seneca1320241993
Minonk1220241973
Keithsburg920192002
Guilford620211968
Beaverdam Lk619981984
Troy Grove620191993
Union620172011
Cherry Val520031972
Birds520221992
Barrington420111970
Geneseo420181971
Monticello420211980
Fairbury420161985
Pontiac420241978
Milford420091992
Waynesville420132001
Mill Creek320091972
Terre Haute320211979
Williamsfld320191971

Mallard Population Trend in Other States

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

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