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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 1984TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
70Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
42YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Sandhill Crane Trends in AlaskaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

long arc increasecomputed indexTrend sourceWhether the figure is our own computed route-weighted index or an official USGS modeled estimate. The current build labels every trend as computed.Full methodology →

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 2029TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
1.3Projected 2029 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.65–2.095% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±15.4%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
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.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 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
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.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
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.