Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus sylviarum
Order & Family: Order Mesostigmata, Family Macronyssidae
Size: Approximately 0.5 - 1.0 mm (hardly visible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Found globally in bird nests, including poultry, pigeons, and wild birds. They can enter homes through vents or windows if nests are nearby.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (blood-feeders), primarily targeting birds but will bite mammals, including humans, if their primary host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are semi-permanent parasites that spend most of their life on host birds. If the host leaves or dies, they migrate in large numbers to find a new host, remaining active for several weeks.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis in humans through biting. They are a significant nuisance in homes but generally do not transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: None.
Identified on: 1/4/2026