What is bird lice?

Bird lice are parasites that feed on the blood of common birds. The mites are hard to detect due to their transparent color, but they are easier to spot after feeding on the host's blood.

The parasite can feed on adult birds and unfeathered nestlings. The material used for the nest is a perfect environment for the lice to thrive. Bird lice die within three weeks if they do not have a bird host. Bird lice can feed on human blood, but it cannot sustain them. Human contact usually occurs when an infected bird gains entry to roof cavities to build a nest.