Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Dermanyssus gallinae / Ornithonyssus sylviarum
Order & Family: Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae or Macronyssidae
Size: 0.7 mm to 1 mm (barely visible to the naked eye); they look like tiny moving specks.
Natural Habitat
Bird nests, bird cages, and occasionally human dwellings when their avian hosts leave the nest.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (blood-feeders). They primarily feed on the blood of birds but will bite humans if birds are unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are most active at night. They have a rapid life cycle and can multiply quickly under warm, humid conditions. When bird hosts depart, they migrate into buildings.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis in humans through biting. They are considered pests and do not provide ecosystem benefits in a human context.
Identified on: 3/12/2026