Results of the Tricolored Blackbird 2011 Census

By Keiller Kyle, Rodd Kelsey, Audubon California

July 2011

As part of its ongoing effort to conserve and restore Tricolored Blackbird colonies in California, Audubon California in April 2011 coordinated a statewide survey of the species in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The survey – largely conducted by citizen science volunteers – recorded significantly declines in California’s Tricolored Blackbird population.

In all, surveyors observed slightly fewer than 260,000 Tricolored Blackbirds, compared to 395,000 in observed in the 2008 survey. Observers this year recorded birds at 138 sites in 29 counties. The new report discusses the results of the survey, and includes some initial analysis about what these numbers might mean for Tricolored Blackbird conservation.

The survey itself constitutes a success for Audubon California’s citizen science program wherein volunteers in the field contribute directly to science and conservation.

2011 Tricolored Blackbird Census Report (pdf)