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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Population Trend in Wisconsin

All statesForest birds

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Wisconsin has surged: up 330% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+330%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
78Routes 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 →
58YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Trends in WisconsinNotable 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 →

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has surged in Wisconsin: up 330% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Population Forecast in Wisconsin

If the recent trend holds, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Wisconsin is projected to rise about 50% by 2029 — from 2.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.3 (95% range 2.3–4.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±37.9%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+50%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 →
3.3Projected 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 →
2.3–4.295% 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 →
±37.9%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, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Wisconsin is projected to rise about 50% by 2029 — from 2.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.3 (95% range 2.3–4.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±37.9%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662029
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 →
20253.12.14.1
20263.12.24.1
20273.22.24.1
20283.22.34.2
20293.32.34.2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Survey Routes in Wisconsin

Routes recording Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Wisconsin.
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 →
Popple River1820241966
Mellen1820241998
Bayfield920241968
Land O Lakes820161967
Iron River720241967
Eagle River720241966
Wausaukee720241980
Land O' Lakes 2720242017
Flambeau720241999
Shanagolden620241966
Montreal620241968
Couderay620191969
Amberg620241980
Cavour620241998
Hollister520241968
Gilmanton520241984
Amnicon Falls520241998
Weirgor Springs520231999
Prairie Du Chien520222000
Union Twp420231977
Loraine420181968
Mcnaughton420241968
Cadott420241982
Kendall420231990
N Freedom420241988

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Population Trend in Other States

alaskaconnecticutillinoisiowamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiopennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawest-virginia

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