BirdAnalyst
Species · Washington · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Purple Finch Population Trend in Washington

All statesForest birds

Purple Finch in Washington has declined: down 29% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

-29%Since 1970TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
59Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
57YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Purple Finch Trends in WashingtonNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Purple Finch in Washington. See the full index history below.

Purple Finch Population Forecast in Washington

If the recent trend holds, Purple Finch in Washington is projected to fall about 52% by 2030 — from 3.3 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.6 (95% range 0.00–3.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±53.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-52%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
1.6Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.00–3.795% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±53.6%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Purple Finch in Washington is projected to fall about 52% by 2030 — from 3.3 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.6 (95% range 0.00–3.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±53.6%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19682030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20261.70.003.8
20271.70.003.8
20281.60.003.8
20291.60.003.7
20301.60.003.7

Purple Finch Survey Routes in Washington

Routes recording Purple Finch in Washington.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Port Angeles2820251970
Ilwaco2220251975
Leavenworth1720241981
Warm Beach1620171969
Rainier1620251993
South Elma1420241984
Vashon Is.1320251995
Taholah1220221969
L. Wenatchee1220251994
Mendota 31220252005
Ardenvoir1119721968
Mcchord1120151996
Everett1020251977
Mazama1020221993
Ozette920251971
Issaquah919871969
Twisp720241985
Winthrop720101990
Warm Beach 2720242018
Bunker Hill620241968
Mendota619881979
Bay View620171996
Snowden520251972
Raymond520211993
Mt Rainier519981994

Purple Finch Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniaconnecticutindianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandvermontwest-virginiawisconsin

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.