Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus sylviarum or Dermanyssus gallinae
Order & Family: Order Mesostigmata, Family Macronyssidae or Dermanyssidae
Size: Pinhead-sized, approx. 0.5 to 1.0 mm (very difficult to see without magnification)
Natural Habitat
Typically found in bird nests (sparrows, pigeons, starlings) but will enter homes through cracks, vents, or windows if the host birds leave the nest.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood feeders; they primarily feed on the blood of birds but will bite humans and other mammals if their primary host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are highly active and mobile, often appearing in large numbers. They are most active at night or in the evening. They cannot complete their life cycle or reproduce on human blood alone.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis from bites. While they do not transmit diseases to humans, they can cause significant psychological distress and sleep deprivation. Benefit: None to humans or local ecosystems.
Identified on: 2/13/2026