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

Mountain Bluebird Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesForest birds

Mountain Bluebird in South Dakota has surged: up 146% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+146%Since 1969
23Routes In State
57Years

Notable Mountain Bluebird Trends in South Dakota

long arc increasecomputed index

Mountain Bluebird has surged in South Dakota: up 146% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Mountain Bluebird Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Mountain Bluebird in South Dakota is projected to rise about 27% by 2029 — from 1.8 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.3 (95% range 1.0–3.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±75.4%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+27%Change by 2029
2.3Projected 2029 index
1.0–3.695% range
±75.4%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
20252.20.903.5
20262.20.933.5
20272.30.963.5
20282.30.993.6
20292.31.03.6

Mountain Bluebird Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Mountain Bluebird in South Dakota.
Custer2020241968
Lightning Cr1720221992
Elk Mountain1620041992
Rochford1120181992
Pleasant Val1020241992
Hill City1020131992
Rockyford819751967
Englewood620211992
Wind Cave Np520241999
Roubaix Lk519911967
Black Fox520171992
Hazelrodt520241992
Silver City320121992
S. Pioneer220102010
Laplant219901990
Reva220151985
Norbeck219931992
Promise120102010
Harding120102010
Cedar Pass120221968
Badlands120181982
White River120142014
Long Draw120231992

Mountain Bluebird Population Trend in Other States

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