Birds found dead as a result of window-strikes on the University of Canterbury campus (Christchurch, New Zealand) and other dead birds submitted to the Zoology Department were examined for ectoparasites. A total of 244 birds of 22 species were examined during 1998–2000. Silvereyes were found in greatest numbers (n = 133) and were infested with the feather louse, Menacanthus eurysternus (Burmeister, 1838) (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), which reached greatest prevalence and intensity of infestation in the summer and early autumn months; in general, infestation with lice was not related to host sex. One silvereye was infested with a flea, Ceratophyllus gallinae (Schrank, 1803) (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), a new host–parasite record for New Zealand. The remaining 21 species of birds were infested with, collectively, at least 20 species of lice (including M. eurysternus) . Infestation parameters for lice are provided for all host species examined. One male and one female of Ornithoica sp. (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) were found on blackbirds; one blackbird was infested with a male C. gallinae . Two of three Hutton’s shearwaters examined were infested with the tick, Ixodes uriae White, 1852 (Acari: Ixodidae), a new host–parasite record for New Zealand.

New Zealand, ectoparasites, lice, Phthiraptera, fleas, Siphonaptera, Hippoboscidae, ticks, Ixodidae.