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

Green Heron Population Trend in Michigan

All statesWetland birds

Green Heron in Michigan has risen sharply: up 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+52%Since 1968
77Routes In State
58Years

Notable Green Heron Trends in Michigan

long arc increasecomputed index

Green Heron has risen sharply in Michigan: up 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Green Heron Population Forecast in Michigan

If the recent trend holds, Green Heron in Michigan is projected to fall about 38% by 2029 — from 0.64 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.40 (95% range 0.00–0.93). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±40.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-38%Change by 2029
0.40Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.9395% range
±40.1%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
20250.440.000.97
20260.430.000.96
20270.420.000.94
20280.410.000.94
20290.400.000.93

Green Heron Survey Routes in Michigan

Routes recording Green Heron in Michigan.
Lawrence420241969
Drayton Plns419781973
Remus320241974
Mottville320191968
Holt320081969
Prattville320181967
Owendale319941993
Cohoctah320242021
Mayfield320212007
Lake City220101970
Big Rapids219901972
Nashville220241969
No Bradley220241970
Cathro220151970
Juniata220241966
Rochester220241993
Richmond220242011
Hamburg 2220222014
New Buffalo220121992
Almena220151994
Barry S.G.A. 2220182014
Ontonagon120172017
Marenisco120162005
Ned Lake120211999
Crystal Fls120241979

Green Heron Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniaconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsminnesotamississippimissourinebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsin

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