What is an avian mimic?

Avian mimicry involves one bird species copying the appearance or behaviour of another species, often to their own advantage. These avian mimics resemble poisonous or dangerous animals to deter predators of their young or to protect their nests. One example is cuckoos whose chicks mimic the young of the host's species the adult cuckoo lays its eggs in. It is also employed to deceive other species, such as in the case of many species of passerines that mimic the calls and songs of other species to attract mates or defend their territories.