BirdAnalyst
Species · California · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Wilson's Snipe Population Trend in California

All statesShorebirds

Wilson's Snipe in California has risen sharply: up 53% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+53%Since 1972TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
49Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
55YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Wilson's Snipe Trends in CaliforniaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

Wilson's Snipe has risen sharply in California: up 53% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Wilson's Snipe Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Wilson's Snipe in California is projected to rise about 11% by 2030 — from 0.64 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.70 (95% range 0.12–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±133.6%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+11%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
0.70Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.12–1.395% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±133.6%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Wilson's Snipe in California is projected to rise about 11% by 2030 — from 0.64 in 2025 to a central estimate of 0.70 (95% range 0.12–1.3). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±133.6%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19702030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20260.720.141.3
20270.710.131.3
20280.710.131.3
20290.710.131.3
20300.700.121.3

Wilson's Snipe Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Wilson's Snipe in California.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Likely1920251971
Yreka1020191973
Davis Creek920251972
Ravendale920061973
Paxton820252000
Gazelle620211988
Ingalls520251973
Shafter419861986
Goumaz420111998
Cedarville420251974
Madeline320251997
Honey Lake320251972
Eagle Lake219741974
Hackamore220102005
Chester220121997
Dorris219941975
Meadow Valley220082004
Macdoel220191972
Clear Lk Res220171989
Butte Meadow220001972
Genesee220241972
Johnsville219851977
Nubieber120181970
Iron Gate120181988
Red Bluff120151973

Wilson's Snipe Population Trend in Other States

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Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.