The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides the best national-level survey for this species. The BBS annual indices show that the population has increased and decreased markedly over the years, likely in response to spruce budworm outbreaks and declines. Population levels among regions vary widely. Of the Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) with reasonably reliable results (displayed below), the Atlantic Northern Forest and the Boreal Hardwood Transition BCRs suggest large decreases in population size since 1970, in contrast to the large increase in the Northern Rockies population. Despite these fluctuations, the national population has consistently remained at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see BBS Canada graph below).
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis