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

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Ohio

All statesForest birds

Pileated Woodpecker in Ohio has surged: up 422% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+422%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 →
72Routes 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 OhioNotable 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 Ohio: up 422% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Pileated Woodpecker Population Forecast in Ohio

If the recent trend holds, Pileated Woodpecker in Ohio is projected to rise about 37% by 2029 — from 1.7 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.3 (95% range 1.8–2.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±11.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+37%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 →
2.3Projected 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 →
1.8–2.995% 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 →
±11.2%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 Ohio is projected to rise about 37% by 2029 — from 1.7 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.3 (95% range 1.8–2.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±11.2%, 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 →
20252.21.62.7
20262.21.72.8
20272.21.72.8
20282.31.72.8
20292.31.82.9

Pileated Woodpecker Survey Routes in Ohio

Routes recording Pileated Woodpecker in Ohio.
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 →
Scioto Trail1420131992
Tar Hollow1220241992
Dresden920241966
Shawnee S.F. 2920192001
Mohican S.F.920241992
Adamsville619831972
Zaleski S.F.520241992
Pike S.F.520131992
Rome520241966
Bloomville420241996
Birmingham420241988
Petersburg320071998
Meadowbrook320181966
Scioto Furn320221992
Keene320231992
Tick Ridge220191993
Stonecreek220241996
Herner Crns220121988
Baxter Ridge220231998
Newcomerstwn219951966
West Elkton220121992
Wilgus220181992
Hebron220231975
Bolins Mills220241966
Pomeroy220191966

Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaoklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

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