Chewing lice (Phtiraptera) on the Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain)

Bonelli's Eagle is an endangered species with little information on its ectoparasites. We studied their chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) infestations by visually searching the plumage of 64 wild and captive specimens. Three different species were identified: Degeeriella sp., Colpocephalum impressum and Laemobothrion maximum. This is the first case of Laemobothrion maximum on Bonelli's Eagle described. We also observe its haematophagous behavior. Due to the low prevalence of infestations, no alterations in the host health are described.