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Species · Utah · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

California Quail Population Trend in Utah

All statesGame birds

California Quail in Utah has surged: up 888% on the route-weighted index since 1996.

+888%Since 1996TrendPercent 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 →
13Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
28YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable California Quail Trends in UtahNotable 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 California Quail in Utah. See the full index history below.

California Quail Population Forecast in Utah

If the recent trend holds, California Quail in Utah is projected to rise about 61% by 2030 — from 0.12 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.19 (95% range 0.03–0.35). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±92.9%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+61%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 →
0.19Projected 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 →
0.03–0.3595% 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 →
±92.9%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, California Quail in Utah is projected to rise about 61% by 2030 — from 0.12 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.19 (95% range 0.03–0.35). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±92.9%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19872030
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 →
20260.170.010.33
20270.170.020.33
20280.180.020.34
20290.180.030.34
20300.190.030.35

California Quail Survey Routes in Utah

Routes recording California Quail in Utah.
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 →
Delta420242017
Castle Dale320011996
Oak City320242006
Jensen320252015
Beaver320251997
Shivwitz220101998
Lynn220252025
Wellington 3120192019
Promontory119871987
Fairfield120242009
Goshen120051993
Goose Creek Mtn.119981998
Hanna120142010

California Quail Population Trend in Other States

californiaidahomontananevadanew-mexicooregonwashington

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