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

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in California

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in California has risen sharply: up 51% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+51%Since 1972TrendPercent 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 →
26Routes 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 →
54YearsYears 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 CaliforniaNotable 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 risen sharply in California: up 51% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Sandhill Crane Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Sandhill Crane in California is projected to rise about 86% by 2029 — from 0.42 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.78 (95% range 0.34–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±261.1%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+86%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 →
0.78Projected 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 →
0.34–1.295% 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 →
±261.1%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 California is projected to rise about 86% by 2029 — from 0.42 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.78 (95% range 0.34–1.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±261.1%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19702029
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 →
20250.740.311.2
20260.750.321.2
20270.760.331.2
20280.770.341.2
20290.780.341.2

Sandhill Crane Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Sandhill Crane in California.
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 →
Macdoel2620191978
Cedarville1820241974
Dorris1120191972
Hackamore620102000
Likely620241971
Paxton520242000
Sattley420241972
Yreka420191975
Ingalls420001974
Nubieber320181970
Crowder Flat320192002
Goumaz320111997
Clear Lk Res320181995
Eagle Lake220221971
Madeline220241997
Chester219971997
Honey Lake220241972
Davis Creek220241972
Chilcoot220232023
Last Chance220172008
Gazelle120211992
Oroville120102010
Little Truckee120231998
Genesee120232003
Ravendale119841978

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

alaskacoloradofloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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