Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024
Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in California
Pileated Woodpecker in California has surged: up 177% on the route-weighted index since 1970.
+177%Since 1970
92Routes In State
56Years
Notable Pileated Woodpecker Trends in California
long arc increasecomputed index
Pileated Woodpecker has surged in California: up 177% on the route-weighted index since 1970.
Pileated Woodpecker Population Forecast in California
If the recent trend holds, Pileated Woodpecker in California is projected to rise about 64% by 2029 — from 0.33 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.55 (95% range 0.29–0.80). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±108.3%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.
+64%Change by 2029
0.55Projected 2029 index
0.29–0.8095% range
±108.3%Backtest error
| Year | Projected index | 95% low | 95% high |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0.52 | 0.27 | 0.77 |
| 2026 | 0.53 | 0.27 | 0.78 |
| 2027 | 0.53 | 0.28 | 0.79 |
| 2028 | 0.54 | 0.29 | 0.79 |
| 2029 | 0.55 | 0.29 | 0.80 |
Pileated Woodpecker Survey Routes in California
| Lumberyard | 9 | 2024 | 1976 |
| Chester | 6 | 2017 | 1997 |
| Hough Springs | 6 | 2007 | 1999 |
| Tuolumne Grove | 5 | 2023 | 1973 |
| French Gulch | 5 | 2010 | 2002 |
| Johnsville | 4 | 2024 | 1977 |
| Offield Mtn | 4 | 2013 | 1974 |
| Forest Hill | 4 | 2022 | 1997 |
| Fish Rock | 3 | 2014 | 1975 |
| Rumsey | 3 | 2007 | 2001 |
| Point Reyes | 3 | 2021 | 1975 |
| Fairfax | 3 | 2024 | 1980 |
| Longvale | 3 | 2023 | 1972 |
| Junction Cty | 3 | 2011 | 1974 |
| Laytonville | 3 | 2024 | 1973 |
| Bartlett Sps | 3 | 2018 | 1972 |
| Waterman Gap | 3 | 2024 | 2002 |
| Bartle | 3 | 2021 | 1972 |
| Glen Ellen | 3 | 2004 | 1973 |
| Ukiah | 3 | 2009 | 2003 |
| Pescadero | 3 | 2023 | 1992 |
| Redwood N.P. 2 | 3 | 2013 | 2013 |
| Medicine Mtn. | 3 | 2012 | 2000 |
| Hay Fork | 3 | 2013 | 2001 |
| Stonyford | 3 | 2018 | 2015 |
Pileated Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States
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Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.