Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Red-shouldered Hawk Population Trend in California

Red-shouldered Hawk in California has surged: up 521% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+521%Since 1970
129Routes In State
56Years

Notable Red-shouldered Hawk Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Red-shouldered Hawk has surged in California: up 521% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Red-shouldered Hawk Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Red-shouldered Hawk in California is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.86 (95% range 0.62–1.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±23.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+5%Change by 2029
0.86Projected 2029 index
0.621.195% range
±23.7%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
20250.810.571.0
20260.820.591.1
20270.830.601.1
20280.850.611.1
20290.860.621.1

Red-shouldered Hawk Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Red-shouldered Hawk in California.
Fairfax1520241978
Coyote1220241995
Bass Lake520192007
San Ysidro520191977
Silver City520131978
Gold Hill520231995
Alderpoint520121975
Harbor Lake 2520242014
Pennington420221984
Lake Success419961980
Navarro420111972
Moraga420241974
Tres Pinos 2420112005
Collegeville 2420142009
Jofegan 2320242024
Calpella319861973
Orange Cove320161976
Morro Bay320191974
Sawmill Mtn320131973
El Toro319991973
Elsinore Mtn320241971
Elizabeth Lk320161976
Laytonville320241973
Mark West320241973
Zamora320241974

Red-shouldered Hawk Population Trend in Other States

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