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

Cliff Swallow Population Trend in California

All statesAerial insectivores

Cliff Swallow in California has edged down: down 14% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-14%Since 1970
215Routes In State
56Years

Notable Cliff Swallow Trends in California

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

Cliff Swallow Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Cliff Swallow in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 57 (95% range 27–88). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±82.8%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+7%Change by 2029
57Projected 2029 index
27–8895% range
±82.8%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
2025592889
2026592889
2027582889
2028582788
2029572788

Cliff Swallow Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Cliff Swallow in California.
Dorris191620191972
Hughson63120241968
Ora Loma60120241972
Pennington48420241971
Shafter39019891971
Iron Gate38120191988
Zamora30620241972
Athlone29520071972
Imperial Dam26220101973
Staten Is.24220241994
Alamo River23320181973
Sanger22720242011
Buena Vista22120191990
Paxton21520241998
Westley20720241972
Crowley Lake19620241972
Orland19520171972
Ravendale16620241985
Bridgeport16119771972
Nubieber16020181970
Auburn15919801969
Jofegan 213320242024
Livermore13319911972
Rumsey12520081969
Cordova12319811971

Cliff Swallow Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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