BirdAnalyst
Species · Michigan · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Common Loon Population Trend in Michigan

All statesWetland birds

Common Loon in Michigan has surged: up 117% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+117%Since 1968
60Routes In State
55Years

Notable Common Loon Trends in Michigan

long arc increasecomputed index

Common Loon has surged in Michigan: up 117% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Common Loon Population Forecast in Michigan

If the recent trend holds, Common Loon in Michigan is projected to fall about 18% by 2029 — from 0.64 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.53 (95% range 0.28–0.77). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±64.3%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-18%Change by 2029
0.53Projected 2029 index
0.28–0.7795% range
±64.3%Backtest error
19662029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20250.500.260.75
20260.510.260.75
20270.510.270.76
20280.520.270.77
20290.530.280.77

Common Loon Survey Routes in Michigan

Routes recording Common Loon in Michigan.
Ned Lake420242000
Remus420242001
Chippewa Lk.420241993
Frederic320011971
Imp Lake320191992
Betchler Lks320241992
Bergland220192011
Herman220151983
Gibbs City220241987
Cunard220181993
Muskallonge220241967
Gilchrist220211979
Lake City219711971
Skegemog Pt220241988
Seney Nwr220241992
Harrietta119931993
Ontonagon120121985
Marenisco120181985
Bootjack120231992
Crystal Fls120241985
Maple Grove120142014
Ishpeming120231980
Brocky Lake120241987
Hungerford120192009
Shingleton120181977

Common Loon Population Trend in Other States

alaskaidahomainemassachusettsminnesotamontananew-hampshirenew-yorknorth-dakotaoregonvermontwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.