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

Rock Pigeon Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesGeneralists

Rock Pigeon in South Dakota has increased: up 46% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+46%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 →
57YearsYears 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 rise about 37% by 2029 — from 2.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.7 (95% range 0.63–4.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±38.6%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+37%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 →
2.7Projected 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 →
0.63–4.995% 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 →
±38.6%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 rise about 37% by 2029 — from 2.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 2.7 (95% range 0.63–4.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±38.6%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19672029
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 →
20252.70.624.9
20262.70.634.9
20272.70.634.9
20282.70.634.9
20292.70.634.9

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 →
Rockyford4420221970
Eagle Butte3520152006
Veblen3420231970
Lacreek2720232014
Isabel2120151990
Wilmot1420241967
Gorman1420101980
Cedar Pass1320231970
Tripp1120241971
Ft Thompson1120111969
Roubaix Lk1119911977
Raymond920211967
Lane919991968
Ottumwa920221968
Britton820221969
French Creek820052004
Gettysburg720221969
Laplant720131972
Promise720152000
Maurine720242001
Chamberlain519791969
Rosebud520111969
Volga520241967
Hill City520122003
Lightning Cr520221993

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 2026-05-22.