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

Lark Sparrow Population Trend in California

All statesGrassland birds

Lark Sparrow in California has declined: down 50% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-50%Since 1970
175Routes In State
56Years

Notable Lark Sparrow Trends in California

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

Lark Sparrow Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Lark Sparrow in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 1.4 (95% range 0.25–2.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±27.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-2%Change by 2029
1.4Projected 2029 index
0.25–2.695% range
±27.6%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
20251.50.352.7
20261.50.332.7
20271.50.302.7
20281.50.282.7
20291.40.252.6

Lark Sparrow Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Lark Sparrow in California.
Ventucopa4120021972
White River3419921972
Ingalls2219991973
Yokohl Val2119971972
Red Bluff1920241968
Yolla Bolly1820241973
Onyx1620151968
Shafter1119891973
Mt Laguna1019871970
Ono920121984
Maricopa920241970
Honey Lake920231972
Alderpoint920121974
Sanger820242011
Jackson819921973
Tres Pinos 2820112008
Lumberyard719881988
Lone Pine719981972
Greenwater V719981975
Cordova719791974
Sattley720121981
Macdoel720191972
Tionesta720212003
Tomhead720111998
Coalinga620221973

Lark Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascoloradoidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianaminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonsouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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