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

Horned Lark Population Trend in California

All statesGrassland birds

Horned Lark in California has fallen sharply: down 74% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-74%Since 1970
159Routes In State
56Years

Notable Horned Lark Trends in California

long arc declinecomputed index

Horned Lark has fallen sharply in California: down 74% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Horned Lark Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Horned Lark in California is projected to fall about 65% by 2029 — from 5.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.9 (95% range 0.00–7.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±32.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-65%Change by 2029
1.9Projected 2029 index
0.00–7.395% range
±32.6%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
20252.80.008.2
20262.60.007.9
20272.30.007.7
20282.10.007.5
20291.90.007.3

Horned Lark Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Horned Lark in California.
Lane Mtn17519731973
Honey Lake15920241972
Willow Spgs12919811968
Barstow12219981968
Carrizo Pln10020231970
Lenwood8020121973
Calif City6320151977
Ventucopa5820021972
Goumaz5120111997
Clear Lk Res4920181972
Inyokern4520241976
Shafter4519891971
Caruthers4119871972
Ravendale3520241973
Crowley Lake3420241972
Greenwater V3320241972
Athlone2920071972
Hollister2720071976
Lucerne Val2520241974
Wildrose2320221977
Palo Verde2320241974
Ft Irwin2019821975
Santa Cruz I1819881988
Likely1820241971
Willow Springs 21620242013

Horned Lark Population Trend in Other States

alabamaalaskaarizonaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawaregeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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