Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Sagebrush Sparrow Population Trend in California

Sagebrush Sparrow in California has fallen sharply: down 62% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

-62%Since 1974
14Routes In State
49Years

Notable Sagebrush Sparrow Trends in California

long arc declinecomputed index

Sagebrush Sparrow has fallen sharply in California: down 61% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

Sagebrush Sparrow Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Sagebrush Sparrow in California is projected to fall about 75% by 2029 — from 0.15 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.04 (95% range 0.00–0.22). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±64.3%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-75%Change by 2029
0.04Projected 2029 index
0.000.2295% range
±64.3%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
20250.040.000.23
20260.040.000.23
20270.040.000.22
20280.040.000.22
20290.040.000.22

Sagebrush Sparrow Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Sagebrush Sparrow in California.
Bartle3619771977
Honey Lake1320241972
Ingalls320001985
Macdoel319771977
Mt Shasta319751975
Cedarville320011974
Davis Creek220011977
Dorris219761976
Lassen Park219811981
Ravendale120241974
Clear Lk Res119971974
Tionesta120212012
Likely119791972
Madeline120022002

Sagebrush Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

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