First report of chewing lice <em>Craspedorrhynchus</em> sp. on <em>Milvus migrans</em>

Abstract

The lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) are permanent obligatory ectoparasite of a diverse population of birds and animals having worldwide distribution. Researches about lice infestation in birds are being carried out in various parts of the world. But, lice infestation in wild birds is poorly studied or understood. This report cites about lice infestation in Black Kite (Milvus migrans). An investigation on lice from an injured black kite was performed in October 2018. The collected ticks were identified Craspedorrhynchus sp. Birds are usually not a reservoir of ectoparasites, because of their self-grooming abilities. But, this report provides an information about lice infestation, that can be extensive in a debilitated bird. Hence, more investigations and researches are required to know more about lice infestations in wild birds and their probable health problems.