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

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Population Trend in North Carolina

All statesForest birds

Red-cockaded Woodpecker in North Carolina has fallen sharply: down 72% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

-72%Since 1971
10Routes In State
46Years

Notable Red-cockaded Woodpecker Trends in North Carolina

long arc declinecomputed index

Red-cockaded Woodpecker has fallen sharply in North Carolina: down 72% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Population Forecast in North Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Red-cockaded Woodpecker in North Carolina is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.07 (95% range 0.00–0.21). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±222.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.07Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.2195% range
±222.6%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
20250.080.000.22
20260.080.000.22
20270.080.000.22
20280.080.000.21
20290.070.000.21

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Survey Routes in North Carolina

Routes recording Red-cockaded Woodpecker in North Carolina.
Shallotte319871967
Wards Corner319741966
Lake Surf320231998
Raeford220241990
Mashoes219711971
South. Pines219961995
California220121972
Supply119971995
Sheep Ridge120241994
Broad Creek120231993

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasfloridageorgialouisianamississippisouth-carolinatexasvirginia

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