Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus spp. or Dermanyssus gallinae
Order & Family: Mesostigmata (Order) / Macronyssidae or Dermanyssidae (Family)
Size: Very small, less than 1 mm (often around 0.5 mm - 0.7 mm); appearing as tiny moving specks to the naked eye.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in bird nests (pigeons, starlings, sparrows, poultry) but will migrate into homes seeking a host if nests are abandoned or removed. They thrive in humid conditions.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (blood-feeders). They prefer bird blood but will bite mammals and humans opportunistically if their primary host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal or crepuscular feeders that crawl rapidly towards heat and CO2 sources. They multiply quickly and can survive several weeks without a meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Their bites cause intense itching, skin irritation, and rashes in humans. While generally not known to transmit diseases to humans as readily as ticks, they are a significant nuisance and pest. Benefits: None in a domestic setting.
Identified on: 3/1/2026