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

Western Grebe Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesWetland birds

Western Grebe in South Dakota has fallen sharply: down 67% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

-67%Since 1988
14Routes In State
34Years

Notable Western Grebe Trends in South Dakota

long arc declinecomputed index

Western Grebe has fallen sharply in South Dakota: down 67% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

Western Grebe Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Western Grebe in South Dakota is projected to fall about 56% by 2028 — from 0.40 in 2023 to a central estimate of 0.18 (95% range 0.00–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±57.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-56%Change by 2028
0.18Projected 2028 index
0.00–1.195% range
±57.6%Backtest error
19862028
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
20240.200.001.1
20250.200.001.1
20260.190.001.1
20270.180.001.1
20280.180.001.1

Western Grebe Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Western Grebe in South Dakota.
Raymond2020142011
Britton1220231999
Long Lake820191986
White Lake620002000
Cottonwood620221995
S. Pioneer420212006
Howard320122012
Roswell219901988
Cedar Pass120021988
Volga120211987
Lacreek120212021
Wilmot120081987
Owanka120142014
Harding120132001

Western Grebe Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniacoloradoidahokansasminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoregonutahwashingtonwyoming

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