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

Hairy Woodpecker Population Trend in California

All statesForest birds

Hairy Woodpecker in California has surged: up 134% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+134%Since 1970
169Routes In State
56Years

Notable Hairy Woodpecker Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Hairy Woodpecker has surged in California: up 134% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Hairy Woodpecker Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Hairy Woodpecker in California is projected to rise about 11% by 2029 — from 1.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.5 (95% range 1.1–1.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±28.1%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+11%Change by 2029
1.5Projected 2029 index
1.1–1.995% range
±28.1%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
20251.41.11.8
20261.41.11.8
20271.51.11.8
20281.51.11.8
20291.51.11.9

Hairy Woodpecker Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Hairy Woodpecker in California.
Shasta Lake1720241974
Fairfax1620241972
Chilcoot1320241998
Fish Rock1120141969
Pollock Pines1120241997
Genesee1020241972
South Fork Mtn920222000
Chester820161997
Crowder Flat720192003
Offield Mtn620141973
Forest Hill620221999
Stonyford620182015
Westville520241971
Redwood N.P. 2520132013
Riverton520231973
Bartle520211972
Hat Creek520181974
Lakeshore520241972
Ship Mtn.520161994
Hackamore520072000
Tionesta520211997
Friday Ridge520241994
Eagle Lake420241969
Point Reyes420231970
Navarro420111976

Hairy 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.