Bird Lice (or Biting Lice)

Natural Habitat

Found on the skin and feathers of birds, particularly poultry and wild birds.

Diet & Feeding

Feed on skin fragments, feather particles, and blood that may seep from skin abrasions.

Behavior Patterns

They are permanent ectoparasites that spend their entire life cycle on a host; they move quickly through feathers to avoid being caught.

Risks & Benefits

They cause irritation, feather loss, and reduced egg production in birds; they generally do not infest humans but can cause temporary skin irritation if handled.

Identified on: 1/10/2026