Bug Identifier
Bird Mite
Community identification

Bird Mite

Ornithonyssus sylviarum

Order & Family
Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Macronyssidae
Size
0.5 to 1.0 mm (barely visible to the naked eye)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in bird nests (sparrows, pigeons, starlings) and can migrate indoors into human dwellings.

Diet & Feeding

Parasitic blood-feeder that typically feeds on birds but will bite humans and other mammals.

Behavior Patterns

They are active at night and migrate from abandoned bird nests in search of a new host; they can survive for several weeks without a host.

Risks & Benefits

Bites cause intense itching, irritation, and small red bumps on humans; they do not live on humans permanently but can cause significant discomfort and dermatological issues.