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Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Red-breasted Sapsucker Population Trend in California

All statesForest birds

Red-breasted Sapsucker in California has surged: up 150% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+150%Since 1970
113Routes In State
56Years

Notable Red-breasted Sapsucker Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Red-breasted Sapsucker has surged in California: up 150% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Red-breasted Sapsucker Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Red-breasted Sapsucker in California is projected to rise about 72% by 2029 — from 0.44 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.76 (95% range 0.41–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±52.5%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+72%Change by 2029
0.76Projected 2029 index
0.41–1.195% range
±52.5%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
20250.720.381.1
20260.730.391.1
20270.740.401.1
20280.750.401.1
20290.760.411.1

Red-breasted Sapsucker Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Red-breasted Sapsucker in California.
Friday Ridge1020241994
Woodfords720221974
Chilcoot720242008
South Fork Mtn720222000
Gazelle620211988
Crowder Flat620192002
Meadow Valley620242005
Little Truckee620231997
Forest Hill620221998
Fish Rock520141969
Greenhorn Mt520081971
Mt Shasta520191972
Genesee520241972
Riverton520231973
Lassen Park419871973
Korbel420211972
Goumaz420111998
Cecilville420172000
Calpella319861977
Hullville320191968
Mt Laguna319711971
Butte Meadow320141972
Tahoe Nf319941987
Pilot Creek319961994
Whiskeytown320072002

Red-breasted Sapsucker Population Trend in Other States

alaskaidahomontananevadaoregonwashington

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