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Species · Colorado · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Gambel's Quail Population Trend in Colorado

All statesGame birds

Gambel's Quail in Colorado has surged: up 167% on the route-weighted index since 1992.

+167%Since 1992TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
9Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
24YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Gambel's Quail Trends in ColoradoNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Gambel's Quail in Colorado. See the full index history below.

Gambel's Quail Population Forecast in Colorado

If the recent trend holds, Gambel's Quail in Colorado is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.12 (95% range 0.02–0.22). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±43.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+1%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
0.12Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.02–0.2295% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±43.6%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Gambel's Quail in Colorado is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 0.12 (95% range 0.02–0.22). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±43.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19812030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20260.110.010.21
20270.120.010.22
20280.120.010.22
20290.120.020.22
20300.120.020.22

Gambel's Quail Survey Routes in Colorado

Routes recording Gambel's Quail in Colorado.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Rosevale1320252009
Fruita820031990
Willow Peak219921992
Douglas Pass220242022
Animas 2220152012
Mesaverde Np120072007
Delta119811981
De Beque120242024
Baxter Pass120242024

Gambel's Quail Population Trend in Other States

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Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.