BirdAnalyst
Species · California · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Bald Eagle Population Trend in California

All statesBirds of prey

Bald Eagle in California has surged: up 12× on the route-weighted index since 1975.

12×Since 1975TrendPercent 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 →
58Routes 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 →
43YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Bald Eagle Trends in CaliforniaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Bald Eagle in California. See the full index history below.

Bald Eagle Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Bald Eagle in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.18 (95% range 0.10–0.26). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.4%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-4%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 →
0.18Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.10–0.2695% 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 →
±47.4%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, Bald Eagle in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.18 (95% range 0.10–0.26). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±47.4%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19722030
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 →
20260.170.090.24
20270.170.100.24
20280.170.100.25
20290.180.100.25
20300.180.100.26

Bald Eagle Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Bald Eagle in California.
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 →
Horse Creek520181972
Ravendale420251998
Shasta Lake420251983
Woodfords420222021
Iron Gate320191992
Red Bluff220181992
Creston220192015
Whiskeytown220062002
Crowder Flat220072005
Sattley220242024
Oroville220122012
Longvale220232018
Dorris220181994
Macdoel220191975
Chilcoot220232023
Strawberry220122002
Bodega Bay220182017
Greenfield220252023
Ingalls219971997
S Catalina220132013
Poloma220172014
Lake Berryessa220252024
Nubieber120072000
Crescent Cty120012001
Holmes120221973

Bald Eagle Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.