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

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Turkey Vulture in California has surged: up 85% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+85%Since 1970
229Routes In State
56Years

Notable Turkey Vulture Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Turkey Vulture has surged in California: up 85% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

Turkey Vulture Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Turkey Vulture in California is projected to rise about 14% by 2029 — from 4.9 in 2024 to a central estimate of 5.6 (95% range 4.3–6.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±11.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+14%Change by 2029
5.6Projected 2029 index
4.3–6.895% range
±11.4%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
20255.34.16.6
20265.44.16.6
20275.44.26.7
20285.54.26.8
20295.64.36.8

Turkey Vulture Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Turkey Vulture in California.
Iron Gate4920191988
Honeydew4720171968
Yolla Bolly3720241973
Tres Pinos 23520112005
Ono3220121984
Adelaida3220241970
Coyote3220241973
Sisquoc3020141991
Lake Berryessa2620242023
Glenn2520231978
Gold Hill2420241971
Ingalls2320011973
Macdoel2320191972
Mark West2320241972
Moraga2120241972
Tres Pinos1920021968
South Lake1720062006
Tracy 21720232010
Parkfield1620241968
Point Reyes1620231970
Hollister 21620242012
Blythe1520031973
Collegeville 21520142013
Crescent Cty1420241972
Pennington1420241971

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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