Host species may take direct action to stop cuckoos laying eggs in their nest . Birds whose nests are at high risk of cuckoo-eggs often mob cuckoos and drive them out of the area . Host species may engage in more direct action to prevent cuckoos laying eggs in their nest in the first place â `` birds whose nests are at high risk of cuckoo-contamination are known to mob cuckoos to drive them out of the area .