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Species · North Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Red-bellied Woodpecker Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesForest birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker in North Carolina has risen sharply: up 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+52%Since 1968
109Routes In State
58Years

Notable Red-bellied Woodpecker Trends in North Carolina

long arc increasecomputed index

Red-bellied Woodpecker has risen sharply in North Carolina: up 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Red-bellied Woodpecker Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Red-bellied Woodpecker in North Carolina is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 11 (95% range 8.7–13). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±4.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-5%Change by 2029
11Projected 2029 index
8.7–1395% range
±4.3%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
2025118.513
2026118.513
2027118.613
2028118.613
2029118.713

Red-bellied Woodpecker Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Red-bellied Woodpecker in North Carolina.
Montague3620241990
Cypress Lakes3120242004
Supply2520241992
Milltail Cr2420241992
Oakboro2320241969
Jamesville2320241983
Durham2220241990
Fairview2220241991
Cypress Cr2120221990
Sheffield2120241991
Green Swamp2120062002
Sheep Ridge2020241994
Gupton1920242001
Call1820241968
California 21820242014
Genoa1820241990
Jackson1820171995
Dudley1820242002
Merrimon1720231969
Newport1720231995
Monticello1720241990
Hamlet1620241995
Ostwalt1520242012
Beargrass1419811966
Speed1420241966

Red-bellied Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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