Brood parasitism is a reproductive strategy where one species, known as the brood parasite, lays its eggs in the nest of another species. This behavior allows the parasite to avoid the energy and time required to raise its young, as the host species unwittingly takes on the responsibility of incubating and feeding the parasite's chicks. A well-known example of brood parasitism is seen in the common cuckoo, which lays its eggs in the nests of various bird species. The cuckoo chick often hatches first and may push the host's eggs or chicks out of the nest, ensuring it receives all the food and care from the unsuspecting host parents.