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Species · Illinois · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Red-bellied Woodpecker Population Trend in Illinois

All statesForest birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker in Illinois has surged: up 257% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+257%Since 1968
105Routes In State
58Years

Notable Red-bellied Woodpecker Trends in Illinois

long arc increasecomputed index

Red-bellied Woodpecker has surged in Illinois: up 256% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Red-bellied Woodpecker Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Red-bellied Woodpecker in Illinois is projected to rise about 20% by 2029 — from 6.9 in 2024 to a central estimate of 8.3 (95% range 6.5–10). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.5%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+20%Change by 2029
8.3Projected 2029 index
6.5–1095% range
±19.5%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
20258.06.19.8
20268.06.29.8
20278.16.39.9
20288.26.410
20298.36.510

Red-bellied Woodpecker Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Red-bellied Woodpecker in Illinois.
Bremen3420241969
Belleview3020241966
St Morgan2620221967
Pulaski2120241970
Mascoutah Lk2020241967
York1920241993
Belknap1820241970
Royalton1720242001
Terre Haute1620241966
Concord1620241967
Sandusky1620231993
Athensville1520241971
Kell1420242001
Guilford1320231967
Mt Vernon1320241972
Cave In Rock1320241993
Mill Creek1220241970
Delwood1120241970
Athens1120241995
Eubanks1020242001
Dudleyville1020242001
Wayne920241988
Melrose919991973
Pawnee920241967
Beaucoup920241972

Red-bellied Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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