BirdAnalyst
Species · Illinois · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Illinois

All statesGeneralists

Turkey Vulture in Illinois has surged: up 52× on the route-weighted index since 1972.

52×Since 1972
102Routes In State
54Years

Notable Turkey Vulture Trends in Illinois

long arc increasecomputed index

Turkey Vulture has surged in Illinois: up 52× on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Turkey Vulture Population Forecast in Illinois

If the recent trend holds, Turkey Vulture in Illinois is projected to fall about 25% by 2029 — from 7.8 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.9 (95% range 4.0–7.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±27.1%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-25%Change by 2029
5.9Projected 2029 index
4.0–7.795% range
±27.1%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
20255.43.67.2
20265.53.77.3
20275.63.87.4
20285.73.97.6
20295.94.07.7

Turkey Vulture Survey Routes in Illinois

Routes recording Turkey Vulture in Illinois.
Terre Haute4920241984
Belleview4920241974
Concord3520241967
Columbia3120241989
Bradbury3020241972
Royalton3020242001
Karnak2420242001
Williamsfld2220241981
Athensville2020241991
Camp Point2020241996
Eubanks2020242002
Robinson1920231976
Sandusky1820231996
Mascoutah Lk1720241999
Stillwell1620241989
Sheffield1520241988
Cave In Rock1520241993
Nilwood1420231993
Kell1420242001
Humboldt1220242002
Payson1120242000
Clayton1120242001
Geneseo1020171985
Monica1020171997
Beaverdam Lk1020231972

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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