The Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is not well monitored by any Canadian survey because it remains at high altitudes for much of the year. Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data from the winter range are relevant, because a substantial portion of the Canadian population likely winters in the western United States. CBC results suggest a decrease in the continental population relative to the early 1970s. However, due to the mixing of the Canadian and American populations of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch in the data and poor precision of the trend estimate, this assessment of the Canadian population is considered to be of low reliability. 

The goal for Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is to increase the population to the level it was at in the early 1970s, based on the Christmas Bird Count. Trend data show that Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is far below its goal range although it has shown an increase over the past decade. However, because of the severity of the population decline since the early 1970s, it is not realistic for the goal to be met by 2050. Based on analysis of the historical population loss and potential growth rates, the interim target is to reach 30% of the goal by 2050. Achieving this target, and ultimately reaching the national goal for this species, will require ambitious and long-term conservation action.