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

Upland Sandpiper Population Trend in Iowa

All statesGrassland birds

Upland Sandpiper in Iowa has surged: up 246% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+246%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 →
38Routes 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 Upland Sandpiper Trends in IowaNotable 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 increasecomputed 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 →

Upland Sandpiper has surged in Iowa: up 245% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Upland Sandpiper Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Upland Sandpiper in Iowa is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 2.5 (95% range 1.7–3.4). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±11%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+9%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 →
2.5Projected 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 →
1.7–3.495% 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 →
±11%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, Upland Sandpiper in Iowa is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 2.5 (95% range 1.7–3.4). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±11%, with 100% 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 →
20252.41.53.3
20262.41.53.3
20272.51.63.3
20282.51.63.4
20292.51.73.4

Upland Sandpiper Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Upland Sandpiper in Iowa.
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 →
Kanawha1420241967
Scranton1020241967
Gaza1020231975
Lafayette920152004
Mccallsburg720241998
Panther620241986
West Liberty520241969
Williamsburg520081967
Wales520181982
Dinsdale520151981
Washta420081990
Titonka420241983
Cedar Valley319971967
College Spgs220031982
Pierson220181971
Davis Corner220181968
Rock Valley220241983
College Spgs 2220232010
Mt Hamill119831983
Exline120231974
Melrose120231974
Bedford120151969
Bryant120241972
Brooklyn120211969
Red Rock120102006

Upland Sandpiper Population Trend in Other States

alaskacoloradoillinoisindianakansasmainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamissourimontananebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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