BirdAnalyst
Species · BCR 33 · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Black-headed Grosbeak In Sonoran and Mojave Deserts

All regionsSonoran and Mojave DesertsForest birds

Black-headed Grosbeak in Sonoran and Mojave Deserts has held roughly steady: down 5% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

-5%Since 1971TrendPercent 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 →
18Routes In RegionSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
56YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable SignalsNotable 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 Black-headed Grosbeak in Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. See the full index history below.

Black-headed Grosbeak In Sonoran and Mojave Deserts Population Forecast

If the recent trend holds, Black-headed Grosbeak in Sonoran and Mojave Deserts is projected to fall about 47% by 2030 — from 0.29 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.15 (95% range 0.00–0.45). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±114%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-47%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 →
0.15Projected 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 →
0.00–0.4595% 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 →
±114%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, Black-headed Grosbeak in Sonoran and Mojave Deserts is projected to fall about 47% by 2030 — from 0.29 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.15 (95% range 0.00–0.45). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±114%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19692030
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 →
20260.160.000.46
20270.160.000.46
20280.160.000.45
20290.150.000.45
20300.150.000.45

Routes In Sonoran and Mojave Deserts

Routes recording Black-headed Grosbeak in Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.
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 →
Kelso ValleyCALIFORNIA82025
NilandCALIFORNIA42023
Willow SpgsCALIFORNIA21971
Coachella CnCALIFORNIA22000
CimaCALIFORNIA21974
Cholla Gard.CALIFORNIA21995
Red RockARIZONA12008
OnyxCALIFORNIA11994
BarstowCALIFORNIA11997
Anza BorregoCALIFORNIA12024
InyokernCALIFORNIA12007
LenwoodCALIFORNIA11982
IvanpahCALIFORNIA11996
TecopaCALIFORNIA12015
CottonwoodCALIFORNIA11976
Imperial DamCALIFORNIA11984
PearblossomCALIFORNIA12017
Lone PineCALIFORNIA12005

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