Species · Alaska · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Red Crossbill Population Trend in Alaska

Red Crossbill in Alaska has collapsed: down 79% on the route-weighted index since 1987.

-79%Since 1987
30Routes In State
38Years

Notable Red Crossbill Trends in Alaska

long arc declinecomputed index

Red Crossbill has collapsed in Alaska: down 79% on the route-weighted index since 1987.

Red Crossbill Population Forecast in Alaska

If the recent trend holds, Red Crossbill in Alaska is projected to rise about 151% by 2029 — from 0.60 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.5 (95% range 0.00–5.5). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±660.7%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+151%Change by 2029
1.5Projected 2029 index
0.005.595% range
±660.7%Backtest error
19722029
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
20251.60.005.6
20261.60.005.6
20271.60.005.6
20281.50.005.5
20291.50.005.5

Red Crossbill Survey Routes in Alaska

Routes recording Red Crossbill in Alaska.
Yakutat15020141995
Petersburg13319871987
Haines2119991972
Seven Lakes2020072003
Juneau Alt1419841984
Thorne Bay 21320242013
Harlequin L.1020231995
Kodiak 21020242007
Sitka (Short)819911991
Thorne Bay820101990
Hoonah720191994
Kuiu Island520102004
Zimovia Strt420241994
Swan Lake Rd420232003
Chiniak320231988
Craig320241994
Whale Pass320241997
Zarembo320241994
Chichagof Is320231997
Copper River320051993
Sitka320241993
Ft. Richrdsn219971997
Cordova220182003
Mitkof Isle220221989
Stikine River120241998

Red Crossbill Population Trend in Other States

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