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

Merlin Population Trend in Michigan

All statesGeneralists

Merlin in Michigan has risen sharply: up 56% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

+56%Since 1988
27Routes In State
24Years

Notable Merlin Trends in Michigan

long arc increasecomputed index

Merlin has risen sharply in Michigan: up 56% on the route-weighted index since 1988.

Merlin Population Forecast in Michigan

If the recent trend holds, Merlin in Michigan is projected to stay roughly flat through 2029, near 0.08 (95% range 0.01–0.15). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±63.5%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

n/aChange by 2029
0.08Projected 2029 index
0.01–0.1595% range
±63.5%Backtest error
19722029
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
20250.070.010.14
20260.080.010.14
20270.080.010.14
20280.080.010.14
20290.080.010.15

Merlin Survey Routes in Michigan

Routes recording Merlin in Michigan.
Cunard320212014
Gibbs City220212013
Ishpeming220212015
Hubbard Lake219881988
Ontonagon120181972
Bergland120222009
Marenisco120142004
Bootjack120232005
Ned Lake120152009
Herman120152013
Imp Lake120002000
Betchler Lks120092009
Brocky Lake120232008
Seney Nwr120162016
Shingleton120122012
Walloon Lake 2120072007
Sidnaw120162016
Big Island Lake120092009
Muskallonge120221994
Tahquamenon120112011
Gilchrist120181996
Skegemog Pt120192011
Remus120192019
Pickford120092009
Frederic119821982

Merlin Population Trend in Other States

alaskaidahomainemassachusettsminnesotamontananebraskanew-hampshirenew-yorknorth-dakotaoregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotavermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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