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

Wood Thrush Population Trend in Iowa

All statesForest birds

Wood Thrush in Iowa has surged: up 468% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

+468%Since 1973
23Routes In State
46Years

Notable Wood Thrush Trends in Iowa

long arc increasecomputed index

Wood Thrush has surged in Iowa: up 468% on the route-weighted index since 1973.

Wood Thrush Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Wood Thrush in Iowa is projected to fall about 44% by 2029 — from 0.32 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.18 (95% range 0.05–0.31). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±81.7%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-44%Change by 2029
0.18Projected 2029 index
0.05–0.3195% range
±81.7%Backtest error
19702029
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
20250.170.040.30
20260.170.040.30
20270.170.040.30
20280.180.040.31
20290.180.050.31

Wood Thrush Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Wood Thrush in Iowa.
Bedford419921992
Lafayette320182007
Mt Hamill220241973
Panther220142001
Wales220181973
Maquoketa220241989
Alice219991970
Exline120171976
Melrose120242022
Burchinal120032003
Bryant120231995
West Liberty120231972
Cedar Valley119921982
Red Rock120241974
Washington120041988
Prairieburg119991993
Clare120191999
Pierson120132013
Washta120101980
Festina119981978
Davis Corner119871987
Rock Valley119801980
Tipton120241993

Wood Thrush Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarkansasconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-carolinaohiooklahomapennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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