Population status

Sandhill Crane
(Grus canadensis)

Given that their breeding distribution extends throughout remote northern areas missed by most surveys, Sandhill Cranes can be best monitored when they flock together at distinct water bodies during migration and winter. Christmas Bird Count data cover most of the species’ wintering grounds, and strongly support a more than 4-fold increase in the continental population (the majority of which breeds in Canada) since 1970. Though the Breeding Bird Survey only covers about 30% of the species’ range in Canada and misses the northern region, the available data support a large increase in abundance since 1970. Smaller scale surveys also support regional-level increases in migrating/wintering numbers (Gerber et al. 2014) and during the breeding season (e.g. range expansion and increased probability of observation in Ontario (Sutherland and Crins 2007). While three to six subspecies are recognized (Gerber et al. 2014), including the tabida subspecies deemed Not at Risk by COSEWIC in 1979, they are not distinguished on most surveys and have not been considered separately here. For more information on Sandhill Crane, refer to the 2014 Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada report.

 

Picture of logo Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Table 1: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual trend Table 1 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
North America1965-20125.729.8
 

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis

Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis

Table 2: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime Period Table 2 - footnote 1 Annual trend Table 2 - footnote 2 Intervals Table 2 - footnote3
LowerUpper
Canada Select to view graph of the geographic area: Canada 1970-2012; Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis1970-20125.73.47.9
 

References