Bird Lice (Louse)

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the bodies of birds (poultry, songbirds, or pigeons) and within their nesting materials; occasionally transferred to humans by physical contact.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on feathers, skin debris, and sometimes blood or tissue fluids from the host bird.

Behavior Patterns

They are permanent ectoparasites that complete their entire life cycle on the host; they move quickly and are very sensitive to temperature changes away from the host body.

Risks & Benefits

They do not live on humans permanently but can cause itchy, red skin irritations or dermatitis in people exposed to infested birds or nests. They provide no ecosystem benefits and are considered pests to poultry and wild birds.

Identified on: 4/4/2026