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

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in California

All statesForest birds

Red-breasted Nuthatch in California has surged: up 347% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+347%Since 1970
137Routes In State
56Years

Notable Red-breasted Nuthatch Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Red-breasted Nuthatch has surged in California: up 347% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Red-breasted Nuthatch in California is projected to rise about 81% by 2029 — from 3.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 6.5 (95% range 4.3–8.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±53.5%, with 40% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+81%Change by 2029
6.5Projected 2029 index
4.3–8.795% range
±53.5%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
20256.24.08.4
20266.34.18.5
20276.44.28.6
20286.54.38.7
20296.54.38.7

Red-breasted Nuthatch Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Red-breasted Nuthatch in California.
Lumberyard7420241976
Lassen Park4719891972
Westville4720241971
Goumaz3720111997
Pilot Creek3619961994
Medicine Mtn.3520212000
Hat Creek3420181973
South Fork Mtn3420222000
Dirigio3020141999
Meadow Valley2820241999
Mccloud2720211973
Lake Hemet 22619931992
Placerville2620241997
Forest Hill2420221997
Strawberry2420191999
Stonyford2420182015
Forest Hill 22320052005
Riverton2320231973
Chester2220171997
Butte Meadow2120141972
Downieville2120241975
Johnsville2020241975
Greenhorn Mt2020081971
Friday Ridge1820241994
Little Truckee1720231997

Red-breasted Nuthatch Population Trend in Other States

alaskaarizonacoloradoconnecticutidahoillinoisindianakansasmainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseeutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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