BirdAnalyst
Species · South Dakota · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Rock Pigeon Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesGeneralists

Rock Pigeon in South Dakota has increased: up 40% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+40%Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
56Routes 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 DakotaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Rock Pigeon in South Dakota. See the full index history below.

Rock Pigeon Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Rock Pigeon in South Dakota is projected to fall about 36% by 2030 — from 4.5 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.9 (95% range 0.74–5.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±39.7%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-36%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
2.9Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.74–5.095% 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 →
±39.7%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 Dakota is projected to fall about 36% by 2030 — from 4.5 in 2025 to a central estimate of 2.9 (95% range 0.74–5.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±39.7%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672030
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 →
20262.90.725.0
20272.90.735.0
20282.90.735.0
20292.90.745.0
20302.90.745.0

Rock Pigeon Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Rock Pigeon in South Dakota.
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 →
Eagle Butte3520152006
Veblen3420231970
Wilmot2120251967
Isabel2120151990
Maurine1720252001
Tripp1620251971
Gorman1420101980
Lodgepole1420252005
Cedar Pass1320251970
Rockyford1220251970
Volunteer1220251968
Ft Thompson1120111969
Roubaix Lk1119911977
Raymond920211967
Lane919991968
Ottumwa920221968
Badlands920251992
Britton820221969
Forbes820251968
French Creek820052004
Gettysburg720221969
Laplant720131972
Promise720152000
Chamberlain519791969
Rosebud520111969

Rock Pigeon Population Trend in Other States

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

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.