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

Cactus Wren Population Trend in California

All statesArid-land birds

Cactus Wren in California has collapsed: down 82% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-82%Since 1970
51Routes In State
56Years

Notable Cactus Wren Trends in California

long arc declinecomputed index

Cactus Wren has collapsed in California: down 82% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Cactus Wren Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Cactus Wren in California is projected to fall about 41% by 2029 — from 0.70 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.41 (95% range 0.00–1.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-41%Change by 2029
0.41Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.595% range
±19.2%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
20250.500.001.6
20260.480.001.6
20270.460.001.6
20280.440.001.5
20290.410.001.5

Cactus Wren Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Cactus Wren in California.
Anza Borrego5120241968
Barstow2619981968
Joshua Tree2520021970
Joshua Tree 22420162013
Cima1520211970
Willow Spgs1219811968
Glamis920181968
Essex919961988
Goldstone820091968
Coachella Cn820131973
Lucerne Val819991974
Valley Wells720191969
Havasu Lake719781973
Flynn619961988
Cottonwood520191980
Pearblossom520241970
Jacumba420241973
Parker Dam319781975
Greenwater V220161993
Cholla Gard.220211995
Haiwee Res220051976
Onyx220151968
South Lake220062006
Moreno219691969
Oak Grove220241968

Cactus Wren Population Trend in Other States

arizonanevadanew-mexicotexasutah

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