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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in South Carolina

All statesGeneralists

Ruby-throated Hummingbird in South Carolina has fallen sharply: down 65% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-65%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 →
47Routes 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 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 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 →

Ruby-throated Hummingbird has fallen sharply in South Carolina: down 65% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Forecast in South Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Ruby-throated Hummingbird in South Carolina is projected to rise about 59% by 2029 — from 0.38 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.60 (95% range 0.00–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±55.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+59%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 →
0.60Projected 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 →
0.00–1.295% 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 →
±55.5%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, Ruby-throated Hummingbird in South Carolina is projected to rise about 59% by 2029 — from 0.38 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.60 (95% range 0.00–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±55.5%, 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 →
20250.620.001.2
20260.610.001.2
20270.610.001.2
20280.610.001.2
20290.600.001.2

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Survey Routes in South Carolina

Routes recording Ruby-throated Hummingbird 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 →
Little Mtn519881967
Nixonville319901990
Olar320192001
Red Bluff320061998
Holly Hill220211972
Salem Xrd220191982
Owings220041996
Barton Creek220221978
New Ellenton220242024
Campobello220232012
Blacksburg220121999
Pinewood220191998
Adams Run220241988
Johns Isle119761966
Jamestown120191967
Hardeeville120231967
Rome120051968
Coward120241966
Foreston120081974
New Holland120221977
Wagener120231966
Dillon120181970
Bishopville120081970
Boykin Ml Pd119681966
Walterboro120171973

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Population Trend in Other States

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

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