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Species · Illinois · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Illinois

All statesForest birds

Pileated Woodpecker in Illinois has surged: up 145% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

+145%Since 1971TrendPercent 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 →
74Routes 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 →
55YearsYears 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 IllinoisNotable 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 Illinois: up 145% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Pileated Woodpecker Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Pileated Woodpecker in Illinois is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.61 (95% range 0.37–0.85). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±29.8%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-8%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 →
0.61Projected 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 →
0.37–0.8595% 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 →
±29.8%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 Illinois is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.61 (95% range 0.37–0.85). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±29.8%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19692029
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 →
20250.590.350.82
20260.590.350.83
20270.600.360.84
20280.610.370.84
20290.610.370.85

Pileated Woodpecker Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Pileated Woodpecker in Illinois.
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 →
Mascoutah Lk620241978
Cave In Rock620241993
Sandusky520231993
Athens420241995
Belleview420241969
St Morgan420221983
Pulaski420241970
Grape Creek320242013
Athensville320241982
Flora320222015
Camp Point320231997
York320241994
Karnak320232004
Mill Creek220242013
Gulfport220082007
Dailey219971979
Janesville220222019
Beaucoup220241998
Brnt Prairie220171976
Belknap220241970
Delwood220241970
Beaverdam Lk220231970
Dudleyville220222008
Guilford120192017
Payson120172004

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

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

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