Bird Lice (Mallophaga)

Natural Habitat

The feathers or skin of birds; occasionally found on surfaces if they have fallen off a host.

Diet & Feeding

Bird lice are chewing lice that feed on feathers, skin scales, and sometimes blood or sebum from the host bird.

Behavior Patterns

They are permanent ectoparasites that complete their entire life cycle on the host. They cannot survive long away from a host's body heat and food source. They attach themselves with specialized claws.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They cause irritation, feather damage, and restlessness in birds. They do not generally infest humans, but can cause temporary skin irritation if they come into contact with a person. Benefits: None to the host; they are considered pests.

Identified on: 3/15/2026