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

Common Nighthawk Population Trend in California

All statesAerial insectivores

Common Nighthawk in California has surged: up 214% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+214%Since 1970
81Routes In State
56Years

Notable Common Nighthawk Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Common Nighthawk has surged in California: up 214% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Common Nighthawk Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Common Nighthawk in California is projected to rise about 57% by 2029 — from 0.69 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.1 (95% range 0.41–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±159.5%, with 0% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+57%Change by 2029
1.1Projected 2029 index
0.41–1.795% range
±159.5%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
20251.00.381.7
20261.10.391.7
20271.10.401.7
20281.10.411.7
20291.10.411.7

Common Nighthawk Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Common Nighthawk in California.
Imperial Dam2219911987
Eagle Lake2020241970
Goumaz1920101997
Clear Lk Res1520181972
Tionesta1420211998
Crowley Lake1220241973
Ingalls1120001974
Honey Lake920241972
Hat Creek820181974
Little Truckee620231998
Pine Mountain620171998
Chilcoot620241998
Hackamore520072003
Madeline520241997
Lassen Park419881972
Dorris420191972
Iron Gate420191989
Crowder Flat420192002
Red Bluff320191968
Big Bear319861969
Macdoel320181980
Bridgeport319771977
Downieville320131975
Chaos Crater320181990
Nubieber220181972

Common Nighthawk Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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