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

Spotted Towhee Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesGeneralists

Spotted Towhee in South Dakota has surged: up 250% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+250%Since 1969
43Routes In State
57Years

Notable Spotted Towhee Trends in South Dakota

long arc increasecomputed index

Spotted Towhee has surged in South Dakota: up 250% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Spotted Towhee Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Spotted Towhee in South Dakota is projected to fall about 26% by 2029 — from 2.3 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.7 (95% range 0.68–2.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±28.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-26%Change by 2029
1.7Projected 2029 index
0.68–2.795% range
±28.1%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20251.60.632.6
20261.60.642.6
20271.70.662.7
20281.70.672.7
20291.70.682.7

Spotted Towhee Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Spotted Towhee in South Dakota.
Wind Cave Np3020241999
Elk Mountain1820041992
Pleasant Val920241992
Hazelrodt820241993
Lightning Cr620221996
Chamberlain520111968
Rosebud420111967
White River420131994
Cottonwood320161996
Cedar Pass320231967
Maurine319991969
Tripp220132013
Rockyford220211968
Indian220031994
Ft Thompson220111968
French Creek220031995
Roubaix Lk219911969
Reva220241979
Eagle Butte220152001
Isabel219901990
Badlands220231982
Geddes120211999
Winner120112005
S. Pioneer120032003
Railroad Butte120221995

Spotted Towhee Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahokansasmontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoklahomaoregontexasutahwashingtonwyoming

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