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Species · Florida · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Florida

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in Florida has surged: up 264% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+264%Since 1968TrendPercent 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 →
59YearsYears 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 FloridaNotable 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 Florida: up 264% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Sandhill Crane Population Forecast in Florida

If the recent trend holds, Sandhill Crane in Florida is projected to rise about 18% by 2030 — from 3.1 in 2025 to a central estimate of 3.7 (95% range 2.4–4.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±36.3%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+18%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 →
3.7Projected 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 →
2.4–4.995% 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 →
±36.3%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 Florida is projected to rise about 18% by 2030 — from 3.1 in 2025 to a central estimate of 3.7 (95% range 2.4–4.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±36.3%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19662030
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 →
20263.52.24.7
20273.52.34.8
20283.62.34.8
20293.62.34.9
20303.72.44.9

Sandhill Crane Survey Routes in Florida

Routes recording Sandhill Crane in Florida.
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 →
Mabel 22420252012
Mabel2120111967
Pennywash Cr1820241987
Punta Gorda1620121981
San Antonio1420251967
Kenansville1420251967
Lake Buffum1320241987
Ridge Harbor1320251991
Aripeka1220251987
Croom1020251987
Gardner1019991987
Webb1020251990
Indiantown920171968
Pleasant Grove 2920252011
Island Grove820251992
Polk City720251977
Sunniland Gr720211971
Crewsville720252000
Deanville720191987
Nobleton720231987
Micanopy619881974
Alturas619861974
St Lucie620251988
Devils Gardn620251987
Alva620231987

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradogeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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