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

Pinyon Jay Population Trend in Colorado

All statesGeneralists

Pinyon Jay in Colorado has surged: up 260% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

+260%Since 1971
56Routes In State
55Years

Notable Pinyon Jay Trends in Colorado

long arc increasecomputed index

Pinyon Jay has surged in Colorado: up 260% on the route-weighted index since 1971.

Pinyon Jay Population Forecast in Colorado

If the recent trend holds, Pinyon Jay in Colorado is projected to fall about 19% by 2029 — from 2.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.9 (95% range 0.00–4.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±38.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-19%Change by 2029
1.9Projected 2029 index
0.00–4.195% range
±38.5%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
20251.90.004.1
20261.90.004.1
20271.90.004.1
20281.90.004.1
20291.90.004.1

Pinyon Jay Survey Routes in Colorado

Routes recording Pinyon Jay in Colorado.
Guffey8520241990
Lay6020241997
Wray Gulch4920231988
Buford2819951981
Baxter Pass2220241995
Ninaview1720012000
Pinos Creek1619881988
Summitville1420181993
Wilson Creek1320231992
Dolores1219871968
Antonito1120002000
Wet Mtns.1120241993
Animas1020031996
Moon Pass1020242003
Animas 2920182005
Cokedale920241995
Gardner920241998
Dinosaur720241995
Ludlow720161998
Trinchera620211990
Piedra620122009
Basin520241995
Fox Creek520231995
Piceance Basin520061998
Rifle Falls520181998

Pinyon Jay Population Trend in Other States

arizonacaliforniaidahomontananebraskanevadanew-mexicooregonsouth-dakotautahwyoming

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