Species · Arizona · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Elf Owl Population Trend in Arizona

Elf Owl in Arizona has fallen sharply: down 60% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

-60%Since 1974
12Routes In State
23Years

Notable Elf Owl Trends in Arizona

long arc declinecomputed index

Elf Owl has fallen sharply in Arizona: down 60% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

Elf Owl Population Forecast in Arizona

If the recent trend holds, Elf Owl in Arizona is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.03 (95% range 0.00–0.14). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±113.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.03Projected 2029 index
0.000.1495% range
±113.6%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
20250.030.000.14
20260.030.000.14
20270.030.000.14
20280.030.000.14
20290.030.000.14

Elf Owl Survey Routes in Arizona

Routes recording Elf Owl in Arizona.
Organ Pipe820032003
Bates Well420032003
Patagonia120051974
Carr Mtn120212002
Bartlett Res120072007
Wikieup120191995
Redington120232023
Cabeza Priet120242024
Quartzsite120192019
Laguna119801968
Ajo120012000
Peña Blanca120061986

Elf Owl Population Trend in Other States

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