An innate behavior in animal species is a genetically programmed response that is present at birth and does not require learning or experience to be performed. Examples include migration in birds, nesting instincts in various species, and reflex actions like a newborn's grasping of a finger. These behaviors are crucial for survival, enabling animals to respond effectively to environmental stimuli without the need for learned behavior. Innate behaviors are typically consistent across individuals of a species and play a significant role in reproduction and species continuity.