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Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Clark's Nutcracker Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Clark's Nutcracker in California has fallen sharply: down 64% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

-64%Since 1971
50Routes In State
55Years

Notable Clark's Nutcracker Trends in California

long arc declinecomputed index

Clark's Nutcracker has fallen sharply in California: down 64% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Clark's Nutcracker Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Clark's Nutcracker in California is projected to rise about 102% by 2029 — from 0.26 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.52 (95% range 0.04–1.00). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±69.2%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+102%Change by 2029
0.52Projected 2029 index
0.04–1.0095% range
±69.2%Backtest error
19692029
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
20250.520.041.00
20260.520.041.00
20270.520.041.00
20280.520.041.00
20290.520.041.00

Clark's Nutcracker Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Clark's Nutcracker in California.
Big Bear1919861969
Hat Creek1020061974
Lassen Park819891972
Hullville820061988
Last Chance820191993
Pine Mountain720171997
Crestview720241997
Fallsvale519721972
Fall River Mills420062006
Goumaz420111999
Little Truckee420231998
Mt Shasta420191972
Benton420241977
Mt Pinos 2320152006
Mt Pinos320041970
Bridgeport319771972
Medicine Mtn.320152000
Green Valley220161971
Eagle Lake220241971
White River219801980
Dardanelle220191972
Big Pine219991993
Crowley Lake220241976
Meadow Valley220082008
Tehama219741974

Clark's Nutcracker Population Trend in Other States

arizonacoloradoidahomontananevadanew-mexicooregonsouth-dakotautahwashingtonwyoming

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