How is a feather mite transmitted? - briefly
Transmission occurs mainly through direct bird‑to‑bird contact during mating, preening, or parental care, and secondarily via contaminated nesting material. Infested chicks acquire mites from the mother’s plumage during early development.
How is a feather mite transmitted? - in detail
Feather mites spread primarily through direct contact between birds. When individuals preen each other, mites move from one host to another, exploiting the close physical proximity. Nest environments also serve as reservoirs; eggs and immature stages deposited on feathers or within nest material remain viable until a new bird occupies the site. Vertical transmission occurs when parents pass parasites to offspring during brooding or feeding, ensuring the next generation inherits the infestation. Horizontal transfer can happen in mixed‑species colonies, where shared perches or roosting sites provide opportunities for cross‑species movement. Human‑mediated factors, such as the relocation of nest boxes or capture and release of wild birds, may inadvertently transport mites to new locations. In summary, the parasite relies on intimate avian interactions, contaminated nesting substrates, and anthropogenic disturbances to propagate across populations.