Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Population Trend in California

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in California has surged: up 532% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+532%Since 1970
145Routes In State
56Years

Notable Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher has surged in California: up 532% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in California is projected to rise about 19% by 2029 — from 1.1 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.80–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±50.9%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+19%Change by 2029
1.3Projected 2029 index
0.801.795% range
±50.9%Backtest error
19682029
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
20251.20.741.7
20261.20.751.7
20271.20.771.7
20281.30.791.7
20291.30.801.7

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in California.
Elsinore Mtn4120241987
Carmel Val1720241974
Bartlett Sps1320181973
Hullville1220191968
Santa Ynez1020191975
Lake Cachuma1020161972
Stonyford1020182015
Lake Hemet 2920231992
Hay Fork920172009
Rumsey820081980
Silver City720131994
Coulterville720191997
Yolla Bolly620231975
French Gulch620072002
Coalinga520051973
Mt Baldy520241978
Tehama520221973
Woodlands520242017
Hough Springs520071999
Friday Ridge520241995
Sawmill Mtn420221973
Fallsvale419751975
Longvale420231973
Clear Lk Res420141995
Iron Gate420191988

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Population Trend in Other States

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