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Species · Massachusetts · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Population Trend in Massachusetts

All statesForest birds

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Massachusetts has surged: up 566% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

+566%Since 1969
16Routes In State
57Years

Notable Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Trends in Massachusetts

long arc increasecomputed index

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has surged in Massachusetts: up 566% on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Population Forecast in Massachusetts

If the recent trend holds, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Massachusetts is projected to fall about 38% by 2029 — from 5.1 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.2 (95% range 1.9–4.4). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±21.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-38%Change by 2029
3.2Projected 2029 index
1.9–4.495% range
±21.7%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
20253.01.84.2
20263.01.84.3
20273.11.84.3
20283.11.94.4
20293.21.94.4

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Survey Routes in Massachusetts

Routes recording Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Massachusetts.
Chesterfield3420241968
Cummington 22120242015
Pittsfield1520161967
N Orange1020241971
Sheffield720221970
Ware River620222003
Belchertown420242012
Monterey420242019
Cummington320141969
Hancock320151997
Warren220082004
S Barre220241992
Cheshire219941970
Newburyport119691969
Holden120242003
Warren 2120242010

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Population Trend in Other States

alaskaconnecticutillinoisiowamainemarylandmichiganminnesotanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiopennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawest-virginiawisconsin

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