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

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Michigan

All statesGeneralists

Turkey Vulture in Michigan has surged: up 13× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

13×Since 1968
96Routes In State
58Years

Notable Turkey Vulture Trends in Michigan

long arc increasecomputed index

Turkey Vulture has surged in Michigan: up 13× on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Turkey Vulture Population Forecast in Michigan

If the recent trend holds, Turkey Vulture in Michigan is projected to fall about 33% by 2029 — from 4.4 in 2024 to a central estimate of 3.0 (95% range 1.9–4.1). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±30.6%, with 60% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-33%Change by 2029
3.0Projected 2029 index
1.9–4.195% range
±30.6%Backtest error
19662029
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
20252.81.73.9
20262.81.74.0
20272.91.84.0
20282.91.84.1
20293.01.94.1

Turkey Vulture Survey Routes in Michigan

Routes recording Turkey Vulture in Michigan.
Owendale7920171987
Chippewa Lk.4320241993
Lapeer3020242000
Hamburg 21820242004
Deckerville1620241984
Pleasant Valley 21320242004
Ola1120241979
Holt1120241981
Mottville920241968
Hungerford920231991
Skeels820151966
Isabella 2820212014
Lake City720151974
Prattville720211969
Pickford620241993
Richmond620242000
Ontonagon520192004
Crystal Fls520222009
Skegemog Pt520241990
Beaver Lake520112011
Hubbard Lake519901989
Walloon Lake 2520242010
Herron520132011
Cunard420211976
Scottville420241968

Turkey Vulture Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

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