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

Rock Pigeon Population Trend in South Carolina

All statesGeneralists

Rock Pigeon in South Carolina has fallen sharply: down 70% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-70%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 →
34Routes 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 Rock Pigeon Trends in South CarolinaNotable 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 declinecomputed 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 →

Rock Pigeon has fallen sharply in South Carolina: down 69% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Rock Pigeon Population Forecast in South Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Rock Pigeon in South Carolina is projected to rise about 134% by 2029 — from 0.86 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.0 (95% range 0.00–4.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±146.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+134%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 →
2.0Projected 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 →
0.00–4.795% 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 →
±146.8%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, Rock Pigeon in South Carolina is projected to rise about 134% by 2029 — from 0.86 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.0 (95% range 0.00–4.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±146.8%, 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 →
20252.00.004.7
20262.00.004.7
20272.00.004.7
20282.00.004.7
20292.00.004.7

Rock Pigeon Survey Routes in South Carolina

Routes recording Rock Pigeon in South Carolina.
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 →
Dillon5920211975
Pendleton2119761966
Boykin Ml Pd1519681966
Owings 21520162012
Bishopville1420241974
Wagener1220101966
Campobello1220222022
Pinewood1220172002
Blacksburg919981998
Foreston720191966
Little Mtn719841966
Cauthens Xrd720032001
Bennettsville620171998
Plum Branch520181977
New Holland420241967
Mount Pisgah420082008
Johns Isle319791968
Holly Hill320221976
Coward320101978
Boiling Spgs319791969
Olar320181998
Dale320142006
Jamestown219711971
Nixonville219951988
Hardeeville120102010

Rock Pigeon Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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