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Species · Georgia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Georgia

All statesForest birds

Pileated Woodpecker in Georgia has surged: up 135% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+135%Since 1968TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
110Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
58YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Pileated Woodpecker Trends in GeorgiaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Pileated Woodpecker has surged in Georgia: up 135% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Pileated Woodpecker Population Forecast in Georgia

If the recent trend holds, Pileated Woodpecker in Georgia is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 3.2 (95% range 2.4–3.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±7.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+5%Change by 2029TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
3.2Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
2.4–3.995% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±7.2%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Pileated Woodpecker in Georgia is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 3.2 (95% range 2.4–3.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±7.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20253.02.33.8
20263.12.33.8
20273.12.33.9
20283.12.43.9
20293.22.43.9

Pileated Woodpecker Survey Routes in Georgia

Routes recording Pileated Woodpecker in Georgia.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Council1820242012
Tarver1220241991
Baxley1120191967
Rentz1020241977
Woodbine920242011
Headlight920242011
Stockton820241977
Millen820212006
Glenmore720242013
Owensboro720242010
Irwinton720232016
Fowlstown620161967
Fitzgerald620241967
Newton620241975
Linwood620231970
Shiloh620242012
Yates Crossroads620242005
Guyton519931967
Wrightsville520241966
Lincolnton520171966
Boston520241977
Union520232011
Ousley520242015
Curry Hill520192006
Darien420191966

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

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