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

Sharp-tailed Grouse Population Trend in Minnesota

All statesGeneralists

Sharp-tailed Grouse in Minnesota has surged: up 124% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

+124%Since 1978
16Routes In State
43Years

Notable Sharp-tailed Grouse Trends in Minnesota

long arc increasecomputed index

Sharp-tailed Grouse has surged in Minnesota: up 124% on the route-weighted index since 1978.

Sharp-tailed Grouse Population Forecast in Minnesota

If the recent trend holds, Sharp-tailed Grouse in Minnesota is projected to fall about 42% by 2029 — from 0.64 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.37 (95% range 0.00–0.79). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±142.8%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-42%Change by 2029
0.37Projected 2029 index
0.00–0.7995% range
±142.8%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
20250.350.000.77
20260.350.000.77
20270.360.000.78
20280.360.000.78
20290.370.000.79

Sharp-tailed Grouse Survey Routes in Minnesota

Routes recording Sharp-tailed Grouse in Minnesota.
Greenbush2620241996
Lude1020232004
Erie920151978
Warroad720241993
Badger520171979
Grygla320171976
Big Stone220072007
Oklee220211983
Nett Lake220242013
Floodwood120172017
Mcgregor120152001
Debs119811981
Wylie120112006
Little Fork120231991
Waskish120231978
Lake Bronson120111979

Sharp-tailed Grouse Population Trend in Other States

alaskacoloradoidahomichiganmontananebraskanorth-dakotasouth-dakotautahwashingtonwisconsinwyoming

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