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Species · Kentucky · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Kentucky

All statesForest birds

Pileated Woodpecker in Kentucky has edged up: up 16% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+16%Since 1968
63Routes In State
58Years

Notable Pileated Woodpecker Trends in Kentucky

No notable trend signals for Pileated Woodpecker in Kentucky. See the full index history below.

Pileated Woodpecker Population Forecast in Kentucky

If the recent trend holds, Pileated Woodpecker in Kentucky is projected to rise about 49% by 2029 — from 1.7 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.5 (95% range 1.4–3.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±45.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+49%Change by 2029
2.5Projected 2029 index
1.4–3.695% range
±45.3%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
20252.41.33.5
20262.41.33.5
20272.51.43.6
20282.51.43.6
20292.51.43.6

Pileated Woodpecker Survey Routes in Kentucky

Routes recording Pileated Woodpecker in Kentucky.
Mammoth Cave North1320132009
Mammoth Cave1120141995
Cumberlnd Gp1020181973
Beattyville 2820242006
Levee619821972
Demunbruns620191966
Mckee520241967
Joy520231966
Bays Fork520181999
Levee 2520192007
Beattyville420011966
Daniel Boone419881969
East Union420191979
Morganfield420242024
Hodgenville 2420232008
Brownsville320242022
Bardwell320001967
Million319861967
Merrimac320241967
Apex320242005
Phelps319971979
Staffordsvil319971996
Lebanon Junction320232000
Lovelacevile220241968
Shiloh220231967

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

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

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