Bird Mite

Natural Habitat

Ornithonyssus sylviarum, commonly known as the Northern Fowl Mite, is most commonly found in or around the nests of birds, poultry farms, and domestic eaves where birds nest. If they lose their host, they may enter homes through cracks and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Parasitic; they primarily feed on the blood of various bird species including pigeons, starlings, and poultry. In the absence of an avian host, they can bite humans.

Behavior Patterns

They are external parasites that spend their entire life cycle on the host bird, although they can survive for several weeks away from a host. They are highly active and exhibit rapid movement. They are mostly nocturnal but can be active during the day if the nest is disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

While they cannot complete their life cycle on human blood and do not transmit diseases to humans, their bites cause intense itching, irritation, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are significant pests in the poultry industry, causing anemia and death in birds.

Identified on: 3/5/2026