Bird Mite (or Poultry Mite)

Nests of wild birds (such as pigeons, starlings, or sparrows), poultry houses, and occasionally indoor areas near abandoned bird nests.

The blood of avian hosts; they will occasionally bite humans if their primary bird hosts are unavailable.

Nymphs and adults are semi-permanent parasites. They are most active at night and can move quickly away from nests into human living quarters once fledgling birds leave the nest.

Risks include intense itching, dermatitis, and skin irritation in humans from bites. They do not typically transmit diseases to humans but can be a major pest in poultry farming. There are no notable benefits to the ecosystem.