Bird Mite (or Northern Fowl Mite)
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus sylviarum
Order & Family: Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Macronyssidae
Size: 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm (very small, barely visible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Typically found on wild birds or in their nests (such as pigeons, starlings, and sparrows), but can migrate into homes when nests are abandoned.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood-feeders; they primarily feed on the blood of birds, but will bite humans if their bird host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are highly active and move quickly. They often enter homes through cracks, crevices, or vents near bird nests. While they can bite humans, they cannot complete their life cycle on human blood alone.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis in humans. They do not transmit diseases to humans but can be a persistent household nuisance until the source (the nest) is removed. No known benefits.
Identified on: 3/13/2026