Unusual Bird Parenting
Birds have a reputation as excellent parents. They expend a
great deal of effort in building nests in which to lay their eggs.
They patiently incubate the eggs, keeping them warm and safe
until they hatch. Birds also bring food to their newly hatched
offspring until the baby birds are independent. However, some
unusual birds, known as brood parasites, don't provide any
parental care for their young. Perhaps the most famous brood
parasite is the cuckoo. Instead of building a nest, the cuckoo lays
her eggs in the nest of another species with similar-looking eggs.
The female cuckoo simply removes an egg laid by the host
female, lays her own egg, and then leaves, expecting the host
bird to care for the imposter.
What is the main idea of the passage?
