Bird Mite (likely Northern Fowl Mite or Chicken Mite)
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Northern Fowl Mite) or Dermanyssus gallinae (Chicken Mite) - exact species cannot be determined without clearer microscopic detail
Order & Family: Parasitiformes, Macronyssidae (for Ornithonyssus) or Dermanyssidae (for Dermanyssus)
Size: Approximately 0.5 - 1 mm
Natural Habitat
Nests and bodies of various bird species, especially poultry. Can spread to human dwellings from infested bird nests or coops.
Diet & Feeding
Blood of birds, especially chickens and other poultry. They are obligate ectoparasites.
Behavior Patterns
Northern fowl mites spend their entire life cycle on the host bird, while chicken mites typically feed at night and hide in cracks and crevices of the coop during the day. They are highly motile and can rapidly infest new hosts or environments.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause extreme irritation, itching, and dermatitis in birds, leading to decreased egg production, weight loss, and even death in severe infestations. They can also bite humans, causing itchy papules, though they cannot survive or reproduce on human blood. They are significant pests in poultry industries. Benefits: None known for humans or ecosystems, as they are parasitic.
Identified on: 10/22/2025