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Species · Florida · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Florida

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in Florida has surged: up 224% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

+224%Since 1968
71Routes In State
58Years

Notable Sandhill Crane Trends in Florida

long arc increasecomputed index

Sandhill Crane has surged in Florida: up 224% 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 21% by 2029 — from 3.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.6 (95% range 2.4–4.9). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±48%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+21%Change by 2029
3.6Projected 2029 index
2.4–4.995% range
±48%Backtest error
19662029
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
20253.42.24.7
20263.52.24.8
20273.52.34.8
20283.62.34.9
20293.62.44.9

Sandhill Crane Survey Routes in Florida

Routes recording Sandhill Crane in Florida.
Devils Gardn2820241987
Mabel2120111967
Pennywash Cr1820241987
St Lucie1720241988
Punta Gorda1620121981
Romeo1620242002
Lake Buffum1320241987
Polk City1120241977
Kenansville1120241967
Gardner1019991987
San Antonio920241967
Indiantown920171968
Croom820241987
Mabel 2820192012
Sunniland Gr720211971
Deanville720191987
Nobleton720231987
Micanopy619881974
Alturas619861974
Ft Mccoy620241987
Alva620231987
Mt. Olive520242002
Arbuckle520191987
Palmdale520231987
Citrus Park520241994

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradogeorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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