BirdAnalyst
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 1978
57Routes In State
48Years

Notable Sandhill Crane Trends in Minnesota

long arc increasecomputed index

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 2029
3.9Projected 2029 index
2.3–5.695% range
±43.1%Backtest error
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 index95% low95% high
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.
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.