Behaviour of the haematophagous mite Ornithonyssus bursa in starling nest boxes in New Zealand |
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| Authors: | Ralph G Powlesland |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Botany and Zoology , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand;2. Department of Zoology , University of Canterbury , Christchurch 1 , New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese) (Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae) is a continuous ectoparasite of starlings, and infests most of their nests. Visits by non-resident starlings are considered to be the principal means by which mites spread to uninfested nests during the breeding season. Mites occur between the clenched toes of young nestlings, but as the nestlings' feathers grow and their preening ability develops, mites shift to between primaries and to folds of skin under the bill. After the nestlings fledge, mites migrate to the upper surfaces of the nest box, where some are able to regain contact with adult starlings which daily revisit their nests. |
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