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

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Alaska

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in Alaska has surged: up 134% on the route-weighted index since 1984.

+134%Since 1984
70Routes In State
42Years

Notable Sandhill Crane Trends in Alaska

long arc increasecomputed index

Sandhill Crane has surged in Alaska: up 134% on the route-weighted index since 1984.

Sandhill Crane Population Forecast in Alaska

If the recent trend holds, Sandhill Crane in Alaska is projected to rise about 11% by 2029 — from 1.2 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.65–2.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±15.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+11%Change by 2029
1.3Projected 2029 index
0.65–2.095% range
±15.4%Backtest error
19822029
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
20251.30.602.0
20261.30.612.0
20271.30.632.0
20281.30.642.0
20291.30.652.0

Sandhill Crane Survey Routes in Alaska

Routes recording Sandhill Crane in Alaska.
Ft. Richrdsn1520221995
Cape Nome1420241993
Zarembo1420241993
Gweek River1420021995
Red Dog1220241995
Kachemak1220231986
Chena Hot Sp1119901985
St. Mary'S1020121994
Anchor River1020241983
Dillingham (Short)919841984
Circle820241986
Mcgrath720221997
L Salcha720151986
Kobuk River (Short)719921991
Northway620231989
Mud River620221997
Dillingham520191993
Slana420132010
Council420242005
Porcupine R.420001994
Petersville420241986
Kanuti Lake420232006
Bear Creek419911986
Swan Lake Rd420221982
Burma Road320241996

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

californiacoloradofloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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