Bird Lice (Lice Nits/Shells)

Feathers and skin of birds; often found in bird nests, carpets, or upholstery if a bird has been nearby.

Depending on the species, they feed on feather fragments, skin debris, or blood from the host bird.

They are permanent ectoparasites that complete their entire life cycle on the host; they use specialized claws to cling to feathers and are highly host-specific.

Risks: Can cause skin irritation and 'bird fancier's itch' in humans if they transfer from a nest, though they cannot survive long or reproduce on human blood. Benefits: None to humans; they are considered pests.