BirdAnalyst
Species · Nevada · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Nevada

All statesWetland birds

Sandhill Crane in Nevada has surged: up 286% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

+286%Since 1972TrendPercent 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 →
23Routes 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 →
40YearsYears 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 NevadaNotable 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 Nevada: up 286% on the route-weighted index since 1972.

Sandhill Crane Population Forecast in Nevada

If the recent trend holds, Sandhill Crane in Nevada is projected to fall about 20% by 2029 — from 1.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.2 (95% range 0.31–2.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±72%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-20%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 →
1.2Projected 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 →
0.31–2.095% 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 →
±72%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 Nevada is projected to fall about 20% by 2029 — from 1.5 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.2 (95% range 0.31–2.0). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±72%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19702029
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 →
20251.10.242.0
20261.10.262.0
20271.10.282.0
20281.20.292.0
20291.20.312.0

Sandhill Crane Survey Routes in Nevada

Routes recording Sandhill Crane in Nevada.
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 →
Ruby Valley3220011997
Ruby Valley 22220242004
Dobbin Creek619721972
Minerva620241991
Majors Place520241989
Humboldt Nf 2420242021
Toiyabe Nf420181989
Chimney Res.420212013
Virgin Creek320151995
Midas220221974
Ranchogrande220231990
Walker Can219931971
Charleston Reservoir220242024
Bald Mtn.220181992
Gardnerville 2220242014
Dinner Sta119741973
Comins Lake120052005
Humboldt Nf120191993
Cortez120222022
Eureka120122012
Gardnerville120052000
Hiko119701970
Jarbidge120062006

Sandhill Crane Population Trend in Other States

alaskacaliforniacoloradofloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowamassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanew-yorknorth-dakotaohiooregonpennsylvaniasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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