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Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

White-headed Woodpecker Population Trend in California

All statesForest birds

White-headed Woodpecker in California has surged: up 117% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

+117%Since 1970
85Routes In State
56Years

Notable White-headed Woodpecker Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

White-headed Woodpecker has surged in California: up 117% on the route-weighted index since 1970.

White-headed Woodpecker Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, White-headed Woodpecker in California is projected to rise about 64% by 2029 — from 0.38 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.61 (95% range 0.36–0.87). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±27.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+64%Change by 2029
0.61Projected 2029 index
0.36–0.8795% range
±27.1%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
20250.600.340.85
20260.600.350.85
20270.600.350.86
20280.610.360.86
20290.610.360.87

White-headed Woodpecker Survey Routes in California

Routes recording White-headed Woodpecker in California.
Chilcoot1120241998
Lumberyard820241976
Bartle820211972
Pilot Creek619961994
Woodfords520241975
Lake Hemet519861970
Greenhorn Mt520081971
Hat Creek520181973
Goumaz520111998
Cottage Spgs419751969
Valyermo420191970
Mccloud420211973
Lassen Park319891972
Fallsvale319811970
Tuolumne Grove320211973
Sattley320191975
Chaos Crater320191993
Angelus Oaks320171998
Dirigio320141999
Tionesta320211997
Meadow Valley320231999
Forest Hill320222004
Eagle Lake220241969
Bass Lake219811980
Lake Hemet 2220162016

White-headed Woodpecker Population Trend in Other States

idahooregonwashington

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