BirdAnalyst
Species · West Virginia · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in West Virginia

All statesGeneralists

Turkey Vulture in West Virginia has surged: up 376% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+376%Since 1968
61Routes In State
58Years

Notable Turkey Vulture Trends in West Virginia

long arc increasecomputed index

Turkey Vulture has surged in West Virginia: up 376% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Turkey Vulture Population Forecast in West Virginia

If the recent trend holds, Turkey Vulture in West Virginia is projected to rise about 60% by 2029 — from 3.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.6 (95% range 3.7–7.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±31%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+60%Change by 2029
5.6Projected 2029 index
3.7–7.595% range
±31%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20255.33.37.2
20265.33.47.3
20275.43.57.3
20285.53.67.4
20295.63.77.5

Turkey Vulture Survey Routes in West Virginia

Routes recording Turkey Vulture in West Virginia.
Spencer3620231990
Pt Pleasant1720231974
Clendenin1620241996
Sugar Grove1520241972
Moundsville1520241975
Hix1320241971
Arlee1219751967
Slate1220241984
Rockport1220241996
Lost River1120231996
Yawkey820231966
Olcott820241967
Cedarville820191982
Yellow Spg820231972
Washburn720221987
Josephs Mill720241993
Bismark620231984
Green Bank520241980
Rio519941974
Ruthbelle520241975
Valley Head420241974
Bemis420222001
Paradise320231970
Three Forks320242000
Bebee320221975

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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