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

Lesser Scaup Population Trend in California

All statesWaterfowl

Lesser Scaup in California has edged up: up 24% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

+24%Since 1974
9Routes In State
48Years

Notable Lesser Scaup Trends in California

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

Lesser Scaup Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Lesser Scaup in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.82 (95% range 0.00–1.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±1861.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.82Projected 2029 index
0.00–1.995% range
±1861.9%Backtest error
19722029
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
20250.810.001.9
20260.810.001.9
20270.810.001.9
20280.820.001.9
20290.820.001.9

Lesser Scaup Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Lesser Scaup in California.
Dorris1720191972
Crowder Flat820192019
Iron Gate220161988
Macdoel219981973
Ingalls219961996
Clear Lk Res220131984
Likely220242008
Big Bear119861986
Madeline120182016

Lesser Scaup Population Trend in Other States

alaskacoloradoidahoiowakansasmichiganminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-mexiconorth-dakotaoregonsouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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