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

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Burrowing Owl in California has collapsed: down 85% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-85%Since 1970
64Routes In State
56Years

Notable Burrowing Owl Trends in California

long arc declinecomputed index

Burrowing Owl has collapsed in California: down 85% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Burrowing Owl Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Burrowing Owl in California is projected to rise about 140% by 2029 — from 0.12 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.28 (95% range 0.00–0.92). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±267%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+140%Change by 2029
0.28Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.9295% range
±267%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
20250.320.000.95
20260.310.000.94
20270.300.000.94
20280.290.000.93
20290.280.000.92

Burrowing Owl Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Burrowing Owl in California.
Brawley2920121971
Alamo River2420181973
Mesa Grande1620022002
Oilfields1519811968
Tranquillity1520041972
Niland1120241973
Buena Vista720191990
Hollister620071976
Atwater520071972
Caruthers419861978
Bakersfield420041968
Moreno420121968
Ventucopa319721972
Shafter319891971
Arvin320161971
San Ysidro319761973
Hollister 2320122012
Riovista220181968
Collegeville220041968
Hughson219871981
Goldstone220051987
Palo Verde220221973
Eureka Val219931993
Lenwood219841978
Ravendale219921987

Burrowing Owl Population Trend in Other States

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