Bird Lice

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on the bodies of birds, specifically between feathers and on the skin.

Diet & Feeding

Feed on feathers, dead skin cells, and occasionally blood or serum leaking from skin irritations.

Behavior Patterns

Wingless obligate parasites that spend their entire life cycle on a host; most species are host-specific and highly adapted to clinging to feathers.

Risks & Benefits

No significant risk to humans as they cannot survive off of avian hosts; they cause irritation, feather damage, and restlessness in birds but are rarely fatal.

Identified on: 1/13/2026