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Species · Minnesota · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Minnesota

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in Minnesota has surged: up 327% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

+327%Since 1978TrendPercent 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 →
57Routes 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 →
48YearsYears 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 MinnesotaNotable 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 Minnesota: up 327% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

Sandhill Crane Population Forecast in Minnesota

If the recent trend holds, Sandhill Crane in Minnesota is projected to rise about 31% by 2029 — from 3.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.9 (95% range 2.3–5.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±43.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+31%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 →
3.9Projected 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 →
2.3–5.695% 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 →
±43.1%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 Minnesota is projected to rise about 31% by 2029 — from 3.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.9 (95% range 2.3–5.6). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±43.1%, with 80% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19762029
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 →
20253.72.15.4
20263.82.15.4
20273.82.25.5
20283.92.35.5
20293.92.35.6

Sandhill Crane Survey Routes in Minnesota

Routes recording Sandhill Crane in Minnesota.
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 →
New London2820242006
Sherburne Nr2420241990
Greenbush1720241993
Edwards1620242002
Lake Bronson1620111978
Lude1520231981
Princeton1120242001
Grygla1120171976
Osseo920242013
Evergreen920242004
Warroad920241993
Oklee820211990
Beltrami820232000
Erie720171976
Badger720181980
Brook Park720242003
Wigwam Bay520231988
Little Fork520232008
Money Creek420232000
Hartland420112009
Le Center420232015
Mcgregor420242000
Brainerd420241993
Bagley420051998
Minnetonka320242006

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradofloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsmichiganmississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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