Final answer:
Migration is the regular seasonal movement of birds along flyways, influenced by resource availability and environmental changes. Birds migrate to warmer climates with food in winter, returning to breeding grounds in the spring. Imprinted pathways and environmental cues guide them on their long journeys.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of birds' regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway, is known as migration. It is an innate behavior that is triggered by changes in the environment, such as variation in resource availability. During migration, birds travel to areas with warmer climates and sufficient food in the winter, and return to their breeding grounds in the spring. An example of this behavior can be seen in flocks of geese, which form V-shaped formations when migrating. Notably, Swainson's hawks undertake a significant migration from North to South America and back each year, covering thousands of miles.
Scientists study migration patterns to help with conservation efforts and to understand global changes. These patterns are often predictable, as migratory birds tend to follow the same routes, or flyways, each year. Different species of animals, including birds, use various environmental cues to navigate along these routes, such as landmarks, the sun's position, and prevailing winds. This phenomenon highlights the remarkable navigational abilities of migratory animals, allowing them to find optimal conditions for survival and reproduction.