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

Bald Eagle Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Bald Eagle in California has surged: up 895% on the route-weighted index since 1975.

+895%Since 1975
58Routes In State
42Years

Notable Bald Eagle Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Bald Eagle has surged in California: up 895% on the route-weighted index since 1975.

Bald Eagle Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Bald Eagle in California is projected to rise about 15% by 2029 — from 0.15 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.17 (95% range 0.10–0.25). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±46.6%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+15%Change by 2029
0.17Projected 2029 index
0.10–0.2595% range
±46.6%Backtest error
19722029
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
20250.160.090.23
20260.160.090.24
20270.170.090.24
20280.170.100.25
20290.170.100.25

Bald Eagle Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Bald Eagle in California.
Horse Creek520181972
Davis Creek420231978
Woodfords420222021
Iron Gate320191992
Lake Berryessa320242024
Red Bluff220181992
Creston220192015
Whiskeytown220062002
Likely220241992
Crowder Flat220072005
Sattley220242024
Oroville220122012
Longvale220232018
Dorris220181994
Macdoel220191975
Chilcoot220232023
Strawberry220122002
Bodega Bay220182017
Ingalls219971997
S Catalina220132013
Poloma220172014
Adelaida220242022
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 2026-05-22.