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

Bufflehead Population Trend in California

All statesWaterfowl

Bufflehead in California has surged: up 112% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

+112%Since 1988
13Routes In State
28Years

Notable Bufflehead Trends in California

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

Bufflehead Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Bufflehead in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.06 (95% range 0.00–0.13). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±154.4%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.06Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.1395% range
±154.4%Backtest error
19812029
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
20250.060.000.13
20260.060.000.13
20270.060.000.13
20280.060.000.13
20290.060.000.13

Bufflehead Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Bufflehead in California.
Dorris1420171981
Chilcoot519981998
Iron Gate220161996
Clear Lk Res220181984
Crowder Flat220132002
Madeline220242016
Sattley219991998
Meadow Valley120242016
Tehama119931993
Nubieber119951995
Davis Creek120122012
Whiskeytown120062006
Genesee120102010

Bufflehead Population Trend in Other States

alaskacoloradoidahominnesotamontananevadanorth-dakotaoregonsouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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