
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)
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.