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

Downy Woodpecker Population Trend in California

All statesForest birds

Downy Woodpecker in California has increased: up 33% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+33%Since 1970
157Routes In State
56Years

Notable Downy Woodpecker Trends in California

No notable trend signals for Downy Woodpecker in California. See the full index history below.

Downy Woodpecker Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Downy Woodpecker in California is projected to fall about 24% by 2029 — from 0.52 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.39 (95% range 0.24–0.55). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±13.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-24%Change by 2029
0.39Projected 2029 index
0.24–0.5595% range
±13.1%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
20250.390.230.54
20260.390.230.54
20270.390.240.54
20280.390.240.55
20290.390.240.55

Downy Woodpecker Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Downy Woodpecker in California.
Genesee720241973
Higgins Corn720241981
Point Reyes520231971
Offield Mtn520132011
Glen Ellen520021972
Harbor Lake 2520222014
Redwood N.P.520102004
Ono420121984
Cleveland Nf419941994
Pescadero420241992
Nubieber320071989
Pennington320241971
Cohasset320181973
Fairfax320241976
Fallsvale319811972
Lake Cachuma319971974
Jackson319921986
Lakeshore320241992
Glen Ellen 2320222005
San Benito Mtn.320052003
Cecilville320102010
Horse Creek220191978
Hullville220131974
Westville220241971
Fish Rock220131970

Downy Woodpecker 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.