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

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in California

All statesWetland birds

Western Cattle-Egret in California has surged: up 116% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

+116%Since 1974
23Routes In State
50Years

Notable Western Cattle-Egret Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Western Cattle-Egret has surged in California: up 116% on the route-weighted index since 1974.

Western Cattle-Egret Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Western Cattle-Egret in California is projected to rise about 14× by 2028 — from 0.10 in 2023 to a central estimate of 1.5 (95% range 0.00–5.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±3234.5%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

14×Change by 2028
1.5Projected 2028 index
0.00–5.795% range
±3234.5%Backtest error
19722028
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
20241.50.005.8
20251.50.005.8
20261.50.005.8
20271.50.005.8
20281.50.005.7

Western Cattle-Egret Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Western Cattle-Egret in California.
Brawley24020121972
Alamo River1820171975
Arvin1320151986
Zamora920082004
Niland920231973
Tranquillity820011984
Orland820132003
Atwater420031981
Westley420052005
Palo Verde320151977
Imperial Dam320101984
Oroville220001989
Bakersfield220042000
San Ysidro219921986
Hollister219931993
Lone Pine219941994
Buena Vista219961993
Crescent Cty119941994
Pennington119901990
Dorris119811980
Moreno119821982
Mark West120162005
Staten Is.120142014

Western Cattle-Egret Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascoloradodelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomapennsylvaniasouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawisconsinwyoming

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