The eggs are buff with dark spots at one end. Extensive population reductions since the 1800s have been inferred from comparison of historical to current occurrences. Recent surveys in Arizona have documented more than 110 pairs, on approximately 160 occupied territories. The largest known populations in Arizona occur at Roosevelt Lake and along the lower San Pedro River. It is also considered endangered in California and New Mexico.
Much smaller populations exist in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Texas.