BirdAnalyst
Species · Alaska · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Alaska

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in Alaska has surged: up 95% on the route-weighted index since 1984.

+95%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 →
72Routes 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 →
43YearsYears 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 95% 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 48% by 2030 — from 0.88 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.61–2.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±22.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+48%Change by 2030TrendPercent 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 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.61–2.095% 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 →
±22.1%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 48% by 2030 — from 0.88 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.61–2.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±22.1%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19822030
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 →
20261.30.572.0
20271.30.582.0
20281.30.592.0
20291.30.602.0
20301.30.612.0

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
Chena Hot Sp1119901985
St. Mary'S1020121994
Anchor River1020241983
Red Dog920251995
Dillingham (Short)919841984
Circle820241986
Kalifonsky720251982
Mcgrath720221997
L Salcha720151986
Kobuk River (Short)719921991
Galena (Short)720251985
Northway620231989
Mud River620221997
Burma Road520251996
Willow520251994
Dillingham520191993
Slana420132010
Council420242005
Porcupine R.420001994
Kanuti Lake420232006
Bear Creek419911986

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

californiacoloradofloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.