migratory

Everyday

1. (science) Moving regularly from one place to another, usually with the seasons, to find food, warmth or a place to breed: «migratory birds». tree →
2. To do with migration: «migratory routes». tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons, migratory animals include swallows, geese, Arctic terns, monarch butterflies, salmon, whales and wildebeest. They travel along migratory routes (flyways) every year. Some people also lead migratory lives, moving from place to place for work. Phrases: «migratory birds», «migratory route», «migratory species».

Examples

• Swallows are migratory birds that fly to Africa for the winter. tree →
• The Arctic tern has the longest migratory journey of any animal. tree →
• Monarch butterflies are migratory insects in North America. tree →
• Humpback whales follow a migratory route along Australia's coast. tree →
• Salmon are migratory fish that return to their home river. tree →
• Migratory geese fly in a V shape. tree →
• Wetlands are important stopping places for migratory birds. tree →
• Some herders lead a migratory life with their animals. tree →

Note

Adjective from «migrate». Noun: migration. A bird that stays all year is «resident», not migratory. Pronounced «MY-gra-tor-ee» or «my-GRAY-tor-ee». In maths, migration distance and speed problems: distance = speed × time.