Scientific name: Ornithonyssus bursa

Other Common name:  starling mite

Family: Macronyssidae

Distribution

Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia

Description

This species is commonly found on birds, and has become a pest to people where there is a high bird population. 

The bite is irritating and can cause long-lasting itchiness and painful dermatitis. 

Hosts

Mammals – bandicoots, gerbils, humans

Birds – canaries, chickens, ducks, pigeons, and seabirds