It is actually quite common for baby birds to have mites. Mites are tiny arachnids that can live on the skin and feathers of birds. While mites may cause some irritation, a small number of mites is normal and not necessarily harmful for nestling birds. However, a large infestation of mites can negatively impact the health of baby birds.
What are bird mites?
Bird mites are tiny external parasites that belong to the subclass Acari. There are several different species of mites that can affect birds, including the Northern fowl mite, tropical fowl mite, and depluming mite. Mites feed on the blood, skin, and feathers of birds. They are often found around the vent, under the wings, and on the head of baby birds in the nest.
What do bird mites look like?
Bird mites are usually less than 1 mm long. They have eight legs and oval-shaped bodies. Mites can be difficult to see with the naked eye because of their small size. Under a microscope, bird mites look similar to spiders or ticks. Mites range in color from whitish-tan to dark brown. After feeding on a bird’s blood, the mites can appear reddish or black.
Mite life cycle
The life cycle of bird mites consists of egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. The entire life cycle can take as little as 7-10 days to complete. Adult female mites lay eggs either on the bird or in the nest. After hatching, the six-legged larvae find a bird host to feed on. They molt into eight-legged nymphs, then molt again into adults. Mites can survive for several weeks without a bird host.
Are mites common in baby birds?
Yes, it is very common for nestling birds to have some mites. Mites are easily spread from parent birds to babies in the nest. Close contact between baby birds provides opportunity for mites to crawl from one nestling to another. Mites can also be transferred by shared nesting materials.
Studies have found mites to be present on 80-100% of wild bird fledglings. Some types of mites, like the depluming mite, seem to prefer nestling birds. Young birds have underdeveloped immune systems, making them more vulnerable to external parasites.
What species of birds are most affected?
Mites can be found on all types of wild birds. However, some species seem to be more prone to mite infestations. Species that nest in cavities or nest boxes, like chickadees, titmice, bluebirds, and swallows, tend to have higher mite loads. Dense colonies of birds, like seabird nesting sites, also provide opportunity for mites to thrive and spread.
Does this happen in all bird species?
Nearly all species of wild birds can become infested with mites. Birds that maintain close contact with others while nesting are most likely to pass mites to their young. Birds that nest solitarily or on the ground tend to have fewer issues with mites. Still, migratory bird species can pick up mites at any time during their yearly cycles.
Are mites harmful to baby birds?
A small number of mites on a nestling bird is usually not harmful. However, a heavy infestation of hundreds or thousands of mites can negatively impact a baby bird’s health and development. Problems associated with excessive mites include:
- Anemia – Blood-sucking mites can cause anemia as they remove vital nutrients
- Irritated skin – Mites crawling on the skin irritate and cause inflammation
- Restlessness – Constant movement by mites disturbs sleep
- Impaired growth – Severe infestations affect normal growth
- Damaged feathers – Some mites damage developing feathers
- Death – Weakened nestlings may succumb to harsh mite loads
Birds with heavy mite loads may appear unkempt, underweight, lethargic, or anemic. They often scratch constantly to relieve irritation. Severely infested nestlings may even fall out of the nest as they become weak.
At what point are mites dangerous?
There is no definitive threshold for when mites go from benign to dangerous. As a general guideline, if mites are visible crawling on a baby bird, or there are more than about 100 mites per nestling, the infestation could become harmful. Sickly, underweight, or constantly scratching nestlings likely have too many mites.
Do mites kill baby birds?
While not extremely common, mites can potentially kill nestling birds in some situations. High mite loads combined with other stresses like illness, harsh weather, or lack of food can lead to mortality in baby birds. Severely infested nestlings may die from anemia, emaciation, exposure, or secondary infections.
Signs of mites in baby birds
Here are some signs that may indicate a baby bird has mites:
- Restlessness and constant scratching in the nest
- Red, irritated looking skin
- Scraggly, tattered appearance of feathers
- Presence of small, crawling insects on the skin
- Excessive feather loss, bald spots
- Anemia marked by pale skin, lethargy
- Weight loss or failure to thrive
- Crusty skin lesions
- Nests littered with mites and debris
You may also see clusters of mites gathered around the vent, eyes, and ears. Disturbed mites may crawl rapidly across the skin. Carefully inspecting the bird’s skin with magnification can help identify mites.
Can you see mites on baby birds?
Mites can sometimes be visible on nestling birds, but they are very tiny. Mites will look like reddish, tiny crawling spots clustered on the skin. You may see the mites moving quickly on areas like the underside of wings or around the vent. Using a magnifying glass helps spot them.
How do you know if a baby bird has mites?
Signs of mites in baby birds include irritated skin, loss of feathers, restlessness, weight loss, and presence of mites or debris in the nest. Mites can often be diagnosed by a professional using a skin scraping or tape test. Microscopic examination can identify mites.
Treatment and prevention of mites in baby birds
If mites are detected on a baby bird, there are a few options for treatment and prevention:
Remove nest debris
Discarding old nesting materials can eliminate places for mites to survive. Replace with clean nests or bedding.
Insecticidal dusts
Special dust products containing insecticides like permethrin can kill mites. Lightly apply to the nest and avoid bird’s face.
Ivermectin
This anti-parasitic medication, applied topically or orally, can effectively kill mites on birds.
Supportive care
Providing proper food, hydration, and warmth aids recovery for infested birds.
Quarantine
Isolating infested young birds may be needed to prevent spread.
Rehabilitator
In severe cases, seek help from a wildlife rehabilitator experienced with parasites.
Frequently asked questions
Are bird mites harmful to humans?
Bird mites generally do not remain on humans for long periods. The mites may cause some temporary itching as they search for a bird host. Try to avoid direct skin contact with heavily mite-infested birds.
Will bird mites infest my house?
Bird mites prefer to live on birds. They do not survive long indoors without access to bird hosts. Promptly cleaning any areas inhabited by mite-infested birds prevents home infestations.
How do I get rid of mites on a baby bird?
Removing mites requires treatments like insecticidal dusts, ivermectin, or bathing. Severely infested babies may need care from a wildlife rehabilitator. Clean nest areas thoroughly.
Should I remove mites from baby birds?
It is advisable to remove excessive mites from baby birds. Use tweezers to gently pluck mites from skin and feathers. Seek help for large infestations. Avoid overhandling nestlings.
Can I use flea spray on baby birds?
No, do not use flea spray or treatments meant for mammals on baby birds. Insecticides formulated specifically for mites on birds are safer when properly applied.
Conclusion
The presence of some mites on nestling birds is common in the wild. But heavy parasitic loads can negatively impact development and survival. Look for signs like irritation, weight loss, and bald spots. Use methods like sanitizing nests, insecticides, and isolation to control mites. With proper care, baby birds can fully recover from mite infestations.