The Collaborative International Dictionary
bird lice
Mallophaga \Mal*loph"a*ga\ (m[a^]l*l[o^]f"[.a]*g[.a]), n. pl. (Zo["o]l.) An extensive group of insects which are parasitic on birds and mammals, and feed on the feathers and hair; -- called also bird lice. See Bird louse, under Bird.