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

Song Sparrow Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Song Sparrow in California has increased: up 29% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+29%Since 1970
205Routes In State
56Years

Notable Song Sparrow Trends in California

No notable trend signals for Song Sparrow in California. See the full index history below.

Song Sparrow Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Song Sparrow in California is projected to rise about 19% by 2029 — from 4.6 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.5 (95% range 3.4–7.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±51.4%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+19%Change by 2029
5.5Projected 2029 index
3.4–7.795% range
±51.4%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
20255.53.47.7
20265.53.47.7
20275.53.47.7
20285.53.47.7
20295.53.47.7

Song Sparrow Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Song Sparrow in California.
Dorris8420191976
Horse Creek5420191970
Crescent Cty3720241972
Point Reyes3420231970
Rio Dell3120121972
Santa Cruz I3019881988
Honeydew2920171968
Navarro2920111972
Ora Loma2620241972
Staten Is.2620241994
Redwood N.P.2520101995
Harbor Lake 22420242014
Cp. Pendleton2220041970
Genesee2220241972
Fish Rock2120141968
Arvin2020221971
Sisquoc1920141970
Pescadero1920241992
Poway1619801973
Last Chance1520191993
Jofegan 21420242024
Chilcoot1420241998
El Toro1319991973
Macdoel1320191975
Iron Gate1320191988

Song Sparrow Population Trend in Other States

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

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