Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Greater Roadrunner Population Trend in California

Greater Roadrunner in California has collapsed: down 80% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-80%Since 1970
96Routes In State
56Years

Notable Greater Roadrunner Trends in California

long arc declinecomputed index

Greater Roadrunner has collapsed in California: down 80% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Greater Roadrunner Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Greater Roadrunner in California is projected to fall about 89% by 2029 — from 0.07 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.01 (95% range 0.00–0.20). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±96.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-89%Change by 2029
0.01Projected 2029 index
0.000.2095% range
±96.5%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
20250.020.000.22
20260.020.000.22
20270.020.000.21
20280.010.000.21
20290.010.000.20

Greater Roadrunner Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Greater Roadrunner in California.
Cima620211970
Alamo River319941973
Brawley320101971
Buena Vista320171990
Ubehebe219871987
Mt Pinos219941985
Inyokern220241989
Ivanpah219941989
Big Bear219811981
Essex219941989
Niland220231973
Blythe220031976
Maricopa219931970
Sanger220212021
Kelso Valley220221974
Red Bluff119791978
Tres Pinos120032003
Oilfields119991999
Gravesboro119741974
Wildrose119791978
Parkfield120222022
Bakersfield119971968
Onyx120011968
Calif City120151978
Goldstone120091968

Greater Roadrunner Population Trend in Other States

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