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

Killdeer Population Trend in California

All statesShorebirds

Killdeer in California has declined: down 32% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-32%Since 1970
197Routes In State
56Years

Notable Killdeer Trends in California

No notable trend signals for Killdeer in California. See the full index history below.

Killdeer Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Killdeer in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 2.5 (95% range 0.19–4.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±41.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-5%Change by 2029
2.5Projected 2029 index
0.19–4.995% range
±41.4%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
20252.80.455.1
20262.70.395.1
20272.70.325.0
20282.60.265.0
20292.50.194.9

Killdeer Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Killdeer in California.
Glenn6020231971
Atwater5720121971
Dorris4220191972
Likely2520241971
Athlone2520071972
Shafter2219891971
Buena Vista2220191990
Cordova2119811971
Tracy 21820242010
Orland1720221972
Zamora1720241972
Poway1519801973
Collegeville1420041968
Iron Gate1320191988
Niland1120241973
Alamo River1120181974
Imperial Dam1120101973
Tranquillity1120241972
Nubieber1020181970
Hughson1020241968
Caruthers1019871972
Colma919721969
Palo Verde920241973
Auburn919801969
Copperopolis920241972

Killdeer 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.