Bird Lice

Natural Habitat

Feathers of birds; occasionally found on surfaces near bird nesting sites.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on bird feathers, skin flakes, and dried blood/secretions.

Behavior Patterns

Obligate ectoparasites that spend their entire life cycle on a host bird. They move between birds during mating or while in the nest.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans as they cannot survive off their specific bird host for long. They can cause irritation and feather damage to birds if infestations are heavy.

Identified on: 12/31/2025