Birds, Fish and Plant Species
A Selection of Species in Michigan and the Great Lakes

Explore species that are part of the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world. Within the 288,000 square miles with 5,000 tributaries and 9,000 miles of shoreline there are many unique and interesting birds, fish and plants that are integral to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. 
 
Explore: Choose Fish, Birds or Plants, left, to learn more about Great Lakes species.
Note that the species in this collection are a representative sample of the many species of fish, birds and plants in Michigan and the Great Lakes.

• Fish — Learn about some of the 160 species of freshwater fish.
• Birds — Find out which coastal birds are rare to see and the habitats they prefer.
• Plants — Some of the toughest plants survive the harshest environments along Michigan’s coasts, islands and other areas in the Great Lakes region.

Native versus Invasive
Unfortunately, the Great Lakes ecosystem is also subject to the introduction and spread of non-native fish, birds, plants and other organisms. An invasive species is defined as an animal or plant that has a profound and negative impact on an ecosystem. A native species is part of the ecosystem where it evolved.
Learn more about invasive species. See: Aquatic Invasive Species