Which birds use the Great Lakes region for nesting and migration?

The Great Lakes region serves as a vital habitat for a variety of bird species, functioning as both a nesting ground and a migratory corridor.1

Nesting and Breeding

Small islands throughout the Great Lakes are essential nesting grounds for several common bird species, including herring gulls, ring-billed gulls, and terns. Additionally, the region provides specific breeding habitats for rare species like the Kirtland’s warbler, which nests almost exclusively in young jack pine forests found in parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario.12

Migration and Wintering

The Great Lakes are a significant area for migratory birds, with a diversity of shorebirds and songbirds passing through the region during the spring and fall. The lakes also serve as important wintering grounds for various ducks, such as the scaup and the old-squaw duck.1

Specific locations along the shorelines, such as Point Pelee in Ontario and Whitefish Point in Michigan, are recognized as premier sites for bird-watching due to the high volume of migratory activity.1