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

Lesser Goldfinch Population Trend in Colorado

All statesGeneralists

Lesser Goldfinch in Colorado has surged: up 313% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+313%Since 1972
79Routes In State
54Years

Notable Lesser Goldfinch Trends in Colorado

long arc increasecomputed index

Lesser Goldfinch has surged in Colorado: up 313% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Lesser Goldfinch Population Forecast in Colorado

If the recent trend holds, Lesser Goldfinch in Colorado is projected to rise about 30% by 2029 — from 0.98 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.56–2.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±18.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+30%Change by 2029
1.3Projected 2029 index
0.56–2.095% range
±18.7%Backtest error
19692029
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
20251.20.501.9
20261.20.511.9
20271.20.532.0
20281.30.542.0
20291.30.562.0

Lesser Goldfinch Survey Routes in Colorado

Routes recording Lesser Goldfinch in Colorado.
Ludlow1720161998
Cokedale1620241995
Cone Mtn1220182008
Gold Hill1120122002
Cortez1020081992
Walsenburg1020241994
Yampa820231990
Falfa820241972
Gold Hill 2820242018
Westcliffe720241999
Douglas Pass620241985
Wet Mtns.620241994
De Beque520241992
Gribbles Prk520241994
Harmony420241978
Aspen420232007
Rosevale420232009
Piedra420072007
Elbert420241998
Animas 2420212006
Delta320151980
Kiowa 2320242019
Yellowjacket Pass320232021
Buford220231980
Pagosa Spgs219741969

Lesser Goldfinch Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniaidahonevadanew-mexicooregontexasutahwashingtonwyoming

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