Bird Lice (Chewing Lice)

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on the bodies of birds, particularly poultry, within feathers or on the skin surface.

Diet & Feeding

Feed on skin fragments, feather parts, and dried blood/secretions from the host bird.

Behavior Patterns

They are permanent parasites that spend their entire life cycle on the host. They are highly active and move quickly across the bird's skin to avoid light and find food.

Risks & Benefits

They do not infest or live on humans, though they may crawl on people briefly if handling infested birds. For birds, they cause intense irritation, feather loss, and decreased egg production.

Identified on: 12/27/2025