
Community identification
Bird Mite
Ornithonyssus sylviarum / Dermanyssus gallinae
- Order & Family
- Order: Mesostigmata; Family: Macronyssidae / Dermanyssidae
- Size
- 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm (barely visible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Nests of wild or domestic birds; often found indoors after abandoned nests are located near windows or vents.
Diet & Feeding
Strict blood-feeders; they primarily feed on birds but will bite humans and other mammals if their primary host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
Highly active and mobile; they move quickly across surfaces looking for a host. They exhibit seasonal activity, often peaking in late spring and early summer when birds fledge.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Their bites cause intense itching, red welts, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They do not typically transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: None to humans; they are considered parasitic pests.