What is the symbiotic relationship between cowbirds and other birds?

The symbiotic relationship between cowbirds and other birds is known as brood parasitism. Cowbirds lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the host birds to incubate and raise their young. Cowbird nestlings hatch earlier and grow faster than the host species, often outcompeting them for food and resources. This type of parasitism can have negative impacts on the host species, reducing their reproductive success and causing population declines.