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

Wilson's Snipe Population Trend in South Dakota

All statesShorebirds

Wilson's Snipe in South Dakota has surged: up 321% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

+321%Since 1973TrendPercent 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 →
42Routes 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 →
48YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Wilson's Snipe Trends in South DakotaNotable 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 →

Wilson's Snipe has surged in South Dakota: up 321% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

Wilson's Snipe Population Forecast in South Dakota

If the recent trend holds, Wilson's Snipe in South Dakota is projected to rise about 77% by 2029 — from 0.77 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.4 (95% range 0.28–2.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±35.9%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+77%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 →
1.4Projected 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 →
0.28–2.595% 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 →
±35.9%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, Wilson's Snipe in South Dakota is projected to rise about 77% by 2029 — from 0.77 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.4 (95% range 0.28–2.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±35.9%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19692029
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 →
20251.30.172.4
20261.30.192.4
20271.30.222.4
20281.30.252.4
20291.40.282.5

Wilson's Snipe Survey Routes in South Dakota

Routes recording Wilson's Snipe in South Dakota.
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 →
White Lake3120111987
Volga620192008
Raymond620191984
Gettysburg620232000
Winner520242003
Wilmot520242008
Lacreek520231991
Forbes420242004
Ottumwa420192017
Veblen320231969
Long Lake320191972
Roubaix Lk319911981
Englewood320212011
Hazelrodt320231998
Silver City320121992
Roswell220101983
Crow Creek220192007
Volunteer220132012
Lodgepole220231999
Eagle Butte220012001
Badlands220072002
Rochford220182007
Lennox120192018
Tripp120192011
Howard120241993

Wilson's Snipe Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacaliforniacoloradoidahoillinoisiowamainemassachusettsmichiganminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-mexiconew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniautahvermontwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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