Mallophaga

‖Mal‐loph″a‐ga (măl‐lŏf″ȧ‐gȧ), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. μαλλόσ a lock of wool + φαγει̑ν to eat.] (Zoöl.) 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.