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Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Mountain Quail Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Mountain Quail in California has increased: up 49% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+49%Since 1970
154Routes In State
56Years

Notable Mountain Quail Trends in California

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

Mountain Quail Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Mountain Quail in California is projected to rise about 28% by 2029 — from 2.3 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.0 (95% range 0.76–5.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±71.5%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+28%Change by 2029
3.0Projected 2029 index
0.76–5.295% range
±71.5%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
20253.00.795.2
20263.00.785.2
20273.00.775.2
20283.00.765.2
20293.00.765.2

Mountain Quail Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Mountain Quail in California.
Mt Baldy8520241970
South Fork Mtn4720222000
Green Valley4320231970
Little Truckee2920231997
Hat Creek2820181973
Cuyamaca Pk2720241971
Bartlett Sps2320181972
Lockwood Val2220191970
Longvale2220231972
Pilot Creek2219961994
Pollock Pines2020241997
Lake Hemet1719861971
Tuolumne Grove1720241972
Burnt Ranch1720161998
Cottage Spgs1519751968
Westville1420241971
Last Chance1220191993
Nubieber1120181970
Shasta Lake1120121972
Tahoe Nf1119941987
Yolla Bolly1020241973
Lake Hemet 2920231993
Forest Hill920221997
Stonyford920182015
Onyx819981976

Mountain Quail Population Trend in Other States

nevadaoregonwashington

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