Bird Lice (and/or Poultry Lice)
Scientific Name: Menacanthus stramineus (example of common species)
Order & Family: Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family: Menoponidae
Size: Approximately 0.5mm to 3.5mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Found on the skin and feathers of birds (poultry, songbirds, pigeons) and occasionally in nests; can accidentally enter homes via bird nests on the structure.
Diet & Feeding
Bird lice are chewing lice that feed on skin scales, feather debris, and sometimes blood if the skin is irritated.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless, flattened insects that spend their entire life cycle on a host; they move quickly through feathers or hair and cannot survive long (usually only a few days) off of a host.
Risks & Benefits
They do not live on humans, though they may bite if they crawl onto skin, causing temporary itching or a rash. They can be a significant nuisance and health stressor for domestic poultry and birds.
Identified on: 1/7/2026