A comprehensive survey of Tricolored Blackbirds in California has confirmed that the population of the rare species has declined 44 percent since 2011. The 2014 survey - led by UC Davis, in partnership with Audubon California, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service -- counted 145,000 Tricolored Blackbirds, down from 260,000 in 2011.

The 2014 survey was completed with the help of more than 143 volunteers. Surveys were conducted at 801 sites across 41 counties. Members from several Audubon chapters took part.

The survey confirmed that Tricolored Blackbirds continue to reside primarily in the southern portion of the Central Valley but that number is rapidly decreasing. Their numbers also plummeted in Kern and Merced counties. Only six birds were found in Fresno County, and no birds were observed in Kings, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties. Relatively greater percentages of the birds were seen in Amador, El Dorado and Sacramento counties than in recent surveys.