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

Golden Eagle Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Golden Eagle in California has declined: down 44% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-44%Since 1970TrendPercent 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 →
120Routes 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 →
56YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Golden Eagle Trends in CaliforniaNotable 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 Golden Eagle in California. See the full index history below.

Golden Eagle Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Golden Eagle in California is projected to rise about 72% by 2029 — from 0.05 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.09 (95% range 0.00–0.18). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±122.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+72%Change by 2029TrendPercent 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 →
0.09Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–0.1895% 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 →
±122.9%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, Golden Eagle in California is projected to rise about 72% by 2029 — from 0.05 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.09 (95% range 0.00–0.18). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±122.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.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 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 →
20250.100.000.19
20260.090.000.19
20270.090.000.19
20280.090.000.18
20290.090.000.18

Golden Eagle Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Golden Eagle in California.
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 →
Yreka420161990
Fall River Mills420102010
Bass Lake320111975
Tecopa319981981
Iron Gate320181997
Red Bluff220041970
Calpella219811975
Tres Pinos220022000
Darwin219991999
Ravendale220081973
Cohasset219791979
Lucerne Val219961996
Bodie220221998
Carmel Val220231982
Cima219831976
Greenhorn Mt220061980
Silver City220041994
Green Valley220142014
Macdoel220191972
Clear Lk Res220131980
Coyote220241975
Glen Ellen219891989
Cal Hot Spgs220191995
Gazelle220011989
Paxton220212021

Golden Eagle Population Trend in Other States

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