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Species · Michigan · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Michigan

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in Michigan has surged: up 41× on the route-weighted index since 1969.

41×Since 1969TrendPercent 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 →
89Routes 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 →
57YearsYears 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 MichiganNotable 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 Michigan: up 41× on the route-weighted index since 1969.

Sandhill Crane Population Forecast in Michigan

If the recent trend holds, Sandhill Crane in Michigan is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 5.4 (95% range 3.9–6.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.7%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-5%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 →
5.4Projected 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 →
3.9–6.895% 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 →
±19.7%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 Michigan is projected to stay roughly flat through 2030, near 5.4 (95% range 3.9–6.8). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±19.7%, 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 →
20265.03.56.4
20275.13.66.5
20285.23.76.6
20295.33.86.7
20305.43.96.8

Sandhill Crane Survey Routes in Michigan

Routes recording Sandhill Crane in Michigan.
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 →
Maple Rapids2920252001
Mottville2820251988
Pickford2420251980
Nashville2020251974
Howardsville1720251979
Bell Oak 21720252016
Cohoctah1020252021
Betchler Lks1020251992
Riggsville920191983
Barry S.G.A. 2920192013
Creighton820231978
Raco820251971
Ensign820102006
Ned Lake720251994
Herman720222013
Coopersville720252002
Cathro720162005
Walloon Lake 2720242009
Lapeer720252001
Chippewa Lk.720251995
S Lyons619921992
Cluster Lakes620102006
Bootjack520231993
Ishpeming520251991
Belding520031991

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradofloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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