I. The History of Feather Mite Research
II. List of host birds of feather mites by Niethammer
III. Feather mites in the field of vision of the dictionaries

I. The History of Feather Mite Research

The first figure of a feather mite is found in Redis "Opuscula physiologica" from 1729. It deals most probably with the Dermaleichus of the common starling.

Literature: Francicci Redi "Opuscula Physiologica pars prior, sive experimenta circa generationem insectorum", 1729, Tafel 11.

Degeer wrote in his book "Published Paper about the History of Insects" page 46 about "Mites with large and thick feet of the third pair", which he found on sparrows and finches in 1740. He criticised the figure from Redi as follows "The figure from Redi is not naturally enough and without hair".

Literature: Degeer, Baron Karl (1783) l: "Abhandlungen zur Geschichte der Insekten" Bd. 7, Nürnberg, bey Gabriel Nikolaus Raspe.

The occupation with feather mites at that time was for the purpose of describing the species and their systematic classification. Koch and Nitzsch, without knowing, described and classified the same feather mite species parallel to one another. Koch named the genus Dermaleichus and Nitzsch Analges.

An extraordinary talent for observation and drawing were necessary for the production of figures, as shown for example in the drawings of Nitzsch and Haller below. Those who work with modern microscopes can hardly imagine how Nitzsch and Haller reached these results with the technology of their time.

In the following some commendable personalities from Germany and Swizerland are introduced, who have become renown in feather mite research.

Carl Ludwig Koch (1778 - 1857)

Christian Ludwig Nitzsch (1782 - 1837)

Christoph Gottfried Andreas Giebel (1820 - 1881)

Gottfried Haller (1853 - 1886)

Hermann Graf Vitzthum (1876 - 1942)

II. List of host birds of feather mites by Niethammer

In the handbook of German Ornithology (published by G. Niethammer) all breeding birds, passage birds, hosts and exceptional hosts (very rarely to be observed) appearing in Gernany are listed. A paragraph on parasites typical for this species (except protozoa) is added to each bird species described. The work on parasite paragraphs had been done by Wd. Eichler (Berlin). Niethammer states in the preface: "As far as there are no parasites listed for a bird species, we can assume that there are none known." In German literature, there cannot be found a comparable work considering parasites – especially feather mites – as comprehensively as this one does.

For this reason, we have set up a list of host birds for feather mites by the description of Niethammer. Breeding birds, passage birds and hosts which are appearing quite often to which Niethammer could not yet assign any feather mites we have listed as potenial mite hosts with the note "no description". Birds appearings as exceptional hosts (very rarely to observed in Germany) we have neglected as feather mites hosts. In our opinion, the level of knowledge at this point of time in Germany has been pointed out relatively simple concerning feather mites. Comparing lists of current interest of feather mites and their hosts (see Gallery) one has to take into account that not only the naming of feather mites but also the scientific nomenclature of birds in Niethammer’s publication is based on the systematic and taxonomic knowledge of his period of time.

Niethammer, G. (1937-1943): Handbuch der deutschen Vogelkunde, Bd. 1-3, Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft, Leipzig.

Order Passeres – Songbirds Family Corvidae – Crow family Genus Corvus
Common Raven (Corvus corax)		Gabucinia delibata, Analgopsis corvinus, Trouessartia corvina
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone corone)		how C. corax, as well Proctophyllodes corvorum
Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix)		how C. corax
Rook (Corvus frugilegus frugilegus)		how C. c. corone, as well Megninia ginglymura
Genus Coloeus
Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)		Montesauria cylindrica, Analgopsis corvinus
Genus Pica
Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica)		Montesauria cylindrica, Analgopsis corvinus
Genus Nucifraga
Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes)		Neonyssus nucifragae
Genus Garrulus
European Jay (Garrulus glandarinus)		Megninia glandarii, Rivoltasia latior, Microlichus avus, Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Genus Pyrrhocorax
Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)		no specification
Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)		no specification
Family Sturnidae - Starlings Genus Sturnus
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)		Pteronyssus truncatus, Leiognathus silvarium, Trouessartia rosterii
Genus Pastor
Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus)		no specification
Family Oriolidae – Golden oriole Genus Oriolus
Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)		no specification
Family Fringillidae – Finch Birds Genus Coccothraustes
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccotraustes)		Proctophyllodes ampelidis
Genus Chloris
Greenfinch (Chloris chloris)		Analgopsis pachycnemis, Ingrassia oscinum, Leiognathus silviarum, Proctophyllodes pinnatus, Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Alloptes hemiphyllus
Genus Garduelis
Eurasian Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)		Analgopsis passerinus, Proctophyllodes troncatus, Proct. pinnatus, Proct. glandarinus, Leiognathus silviarum
Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus)		Proctophyllodes stylifer
Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)		Ceratonyssus musculi, Proctophyllodes stylifer, Proct. ampelidis, Proct. pinnatus
Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)		no specification
Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea)		no specification
Citril Finch (Carduelis citrinella)		no specification
Genus Serinus
European Serin (Serinus canaria serinus)		no specification
Genus Pyrrhula
Northern Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)		Proctophyllodes ampelidis, Ptilonyssus sp.
Genus Carpodacus
Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus erythrinus)		Proctophyllodes vegetans
Genus Pinicola
Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator enucleator)		Alloptes aphyllus
Genus Loxia
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)		no specification
Parrot Crossbill (Loxia pytyopsittacus)		Analgopsis poppei
Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)		no specification
Genus Fringilla
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)		Pteronyssus striatus, Ptilonyssus nudus, Ingrassia oscinum, Joubertia microphylla, Proctophyllodes pinnatus, Alloptes hemiphyllus, Analgopsis passerinus, Syringophilus bipectinatus
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)		Analgopsis tridentulatus, Analgopsis passerinus, Syringophilus maior, Alloptes hemiphyllus
Snow Finch (Montifringilla nivalis)		no specification
Genus Petronia
Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia)		no specification
Genus Passer
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)		Analgopsis passerinus, Rivoltasia dermicola, Proctophyllodes p.passeris, Proct.troncatus, Micolichus avus, Ptilonyssus nudus, Analges chelopus, Syringophilus bipectinatus
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)		Analgopsis passerinus, Proctophyllodes p. passeris, Proct.troncatus
Genus Emberiza
Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)		Alloptes hemiphyllus, Analges chelopus, Proctophyllodes sp.
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)		Analges chelopus, Analges nitzschii, Analgopsis coleopteroides, Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Proct.pinnatus
Pine Bunting (Emberiza leucocephala)		no specification
Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melancocephala)		no specification
Red-headed Bunting (Emberiza icterica)		no specification
Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola)		no specification
Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus)		Ptilonyssus nudus, Heteropsorus pteroptopus
Black-faced Bunting (Emberiza spodocephala ologoxantha)		no specification
Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana)		Analges nitzschii, Proctophyllodes anthi.
Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)		no specification
Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica)		no specification
Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla)		no specification
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)		Analgopsis tridentulatus, Heteropsorus pteroptopus
Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)		no specification
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)		Analges nitzschii, Proctophyllodes megaphyllus
Family Alaudidae – Larks Genus Melanocorypha
Calandra Lark (Melancorypha calandra)		no specification
White-winged Lark (Melanocorypha leucoptera)		no specification
Black Lark (Melanocorypha yeltoniensis)		no specification
Genus Calandrella
Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla)		no specification
Genus Galerida
Crested Lark (Galerida cristata cristata)		no specification
Genus Lullula
Wood Lark (Lullula arborea)		Pterodectes bilobatus, Analgopsis tridentulatus
Genus Alauda
Skylark (Alauda arvensis)		Proctophyllodes picae subsp., Proct. glandarinus,Pterodectes bilobatus, Analgopsis pachycnemis, Analgopsis tridentulatus, Analgopsis bidentatus
Genus Eremophila
Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris flava)		Pterodectes reticulifer, Proctophyllodes troncatus, Pterodectes bilobatus, Analgopsis pachycnemis, Analgopsis tridentulatus
Family Motacillidae - Wagtails Genus Anthus
Richard`s Pipit (Anthus richardi richardi)		no specification
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)		no specification
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)		Proctophyllodes anthi, Pterodectes bilobatus, Analgopsis bidentatus, Trouessartia corvina
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)		Proctophyllodes picae subsp., Pterodectes bilobatus, Analgopsis tridentulatus, Microlichus uncus
Red-Throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)		no specification
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)		Proctophyllodes picae subsp.
Rock Pipit (Anthus spinoletta petrosus)		no specification
Genus Motacilla
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava flava)		no specification
Masked Wagtail (Motacilla flava feldegg)		Trouessartia appendiculata, Proctophyllodes macedo
Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola)		no specification
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)		no specification
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)		Analges chelopus, Analgopsis pachycnemis, Ingrassia oscinum,Proctophyllodes sp., Leiognathus silviarum
Black Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)		no specification
Family Certhiidae – Tree-Creeper Genus Certhia
Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)		Analges certhiae
Short-Toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla)		no specification
Genus Tichodroma
Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)		Analgopsis affinis
Family Sittidae – Nuthatch Genus Sitta
Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea caesia)		no specification
Family Paridae – Timouses Genus Parus
Great Tit (Parus major)		Proctophyllodes stylifer, Proct. glandarinus, Analges chelopus, Analgopsis mucronatus, Analgopsis.passerinus
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)		Pteronyssus parinus, Proctophyllodes stylifer, Analgopsis mucronatus
Azure Tit (Parus cyanus)		no specification
Coal Tit (Parus ater)		Proctophyllodes stylifer
Crested Tit (Parus cristatus)		Analgopsis passerinus
Marsh Tit (Parus palustris)		Proctophyllodes stylifer
Willow Tit (Parus atricapillus)		no specification
Genus Aegithalos
Long-Tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)		Proctophylodes glandarinus, Syringophilus bipectinatus
Genus Remiz
Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus)		no specification
Genus Panurus
Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus)		Analgopsis mucronatus, Proctophyllodes pinnatus
Genus Regulus
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)		no specification
Firecrest (Regulus ignicappillus)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Family Laniidae – Shrikes Genus Lanius
Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Proct. passeris subsp.
Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)		Proctophyllodes pinnatus, Proct.polyandrius, Trouessartia gracilipes, Analgopsis integer.
Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)		no specification
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)		Proctophyllodes picae subsp. (this speciers of frequently occurring feather mites genus appears variably on different small birds)
Family Bombycillidae – Silktail Genus Bombycilla
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)		Proctophyllodes ampelidis, Ingrassia oscinum
Family Muscicapidae – Warblers Subfamily Muscicapinae - Flycatcher Genus Muscicapa
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)		Analgopsis clavipes, Analgopsis. incertus, Pteronyssus integer.
Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa hypoleuca)		no specification
Collared Flycatcher (Muscicapa albicollois)		no specification
Red-Breasted Flycatcher (Muscicapa parva)		no specification
Subfamily Sylviinae – Warblers Genus Phylloscopus
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)		no specification
Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides)		no specification
Western Bonelli`s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli)		no specification
Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)		no specification
Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis)		no specification
Yellow-browed Warbler (Pylloscopus inornatus)		no specification
Pallas`s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus proregulus)		no specification
Genus Herbivocula
Radde`s Warbler (Herbivocula schwarzi)		no specification
Genus Locustella
River Warbler (Locustella fluviatilis)		no specification
Savi`s Warbler (Locustella luscinioides)		no specification
Pallas`s Grasshopper (Locustella certhiola)		no specification
Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia)		no specification
Lanceolated Warbler (Locustella lanceolata)		no specification
Genus Acrocephalus
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)		no specification
Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola)		Trouessartia bifurcata
Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)		"Pteronyssus" pallens (The genus needs to be split up; pallens has to be placed into another genus, therefore the quotation marks), Analgopsis bidentatus (a unequivocal identification of the species is especially difficult in the mite genera of Analgopsis, Analges, Mesalges und Megninia because of the appearance of at one hand "heteromorphological" males – having strongly determined secondary sexual characteristics and on the other hand "homoiomorphological" males – without these characteristics and furthermore these with blending characteristics.), Trouessartia edwardsii.
Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)		no specification
Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris)		no specification
Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola)		no specification
Genus Hippolais
Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina)		Analgopsis spiniger
Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta)		no specification
Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida)		no specification
Booted Warbler (Hippolais caligata)		no specification
Genus Sylvia
Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria)		Trouessartia bifurcata, Proctophyllodes stylifer
Orphean Warbler (Sylvia hortensis)		no specification
Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)		Trouessartia bifurcata, Leiognathus silviarium, Proctophyllodes anthi
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)		Leiognathus silviarum, Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Proct. picae subsp., Rivoltasia quatra, Trouessartia corvina
Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)		Trouessartia bifurcata, Analges chelopus, Leiognathus silviarum
Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)		Trouessartia bifurcata, Leiognathus silviarum
Subfamily Turdinae - Thrushs Genus Erythropygia
Rufous Scrub Robin (Erythropygnia galactotes)		Trouessartia edwardsii
Genus Turdus
Northern Scaly Thrush (Turdus dauma)		no specification
Siberian Trush (Turdus sibiricus)		no specification
Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)		Proctophyllodes musicus, Syringophilus bipectinatus (the various, at this point yet relatively little known species of the genus are living on the inside of flight feathers of wing and flight feathers of tail; the mainly occurring species of mites is normally typical in poultry)
Mistle Trush (Turdus viscivorus)		no specification
Song Trush (Turdus ericetorum)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Proct. musicus
Redwing (Turdus musicus)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Syringophilus bipectinatus
Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus alpestris)		Proctophyllodes musicus
Blackbird (Turdus merula)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Proctophyllodes weigoldi
Genus Monticola
Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Genus Oenanthe
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)		Proctophyllodes picae subsp.
Genus Saxicola
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)		no specification
Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)		no specification
Genus Phoenicurus
Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)		Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)		no specification
Genus Luscinia
Rufous Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)		no specification
Trush Nightingale (Luscinia luscinia)		Ingrassia oscinum
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica svecica)		Analges chelopus, Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica cyanecula)		Heteropsorus pteroptopus
Genus Erithacus
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)		Ingrassia oscinum, Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Family Prunellidae Genus Prunella
Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris)		Proctophyllodes megaphyllus
Dunnock (Prunella modularis)		Alloptes modularis, Analgopsis bidentatus, Analgopsis pachycnemis, Analgopsis pollicipatus,Proctophyllodes megaphyllus
Family Troglodytidae – Wrens Genus Troglodytes
Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)		Analgopsis passerinus, Proctophyllodes sp., Syringophilus bipectinatus
Family Cinclidae – Dippers Genus Cinclus
White-Throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus aquaticus)		Trouessartia corvina
Family Hirundinidae – Swallows Genus Hirundo
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)		Microlichus uncus (the female mite places its eggs Onto certain areas of the wing of the lousee fly Ornithomyia biloba, and probably the mite larvae parasite on top of the louse fly, whereas the following stages of mites are being found in the epidermis of the alary articulation of the bird), "Pteronyssus" obscurus
Genus Delichon
Common House Martin (Delichon urbica)		Megninia aestivalis subintegra, Pterodectes rutilus, "Pteronyssus" infuscatus, "Pteronyssus" obscurus, Trouessartia appendiculata minutipes
Genus Riparia
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)		Megninia aestivalis subintegra, Pterodectes rutilus, "Pteronyssus" infuscatus, "Pteronyssus" nuntiaeveris, "Pteronyssus" obscurus, Syringophilus bipectinatus
Eurasian Crag Martin (Riparia rupestris)		Trouessartia corvina
Family Picidae – Woodpeckers Genus Picus
Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)		Analgopsis pachycnemis, Mesalges picimaioris, Pteronyssus gracilis, Trouessartia corvina
Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)		Rivoltasia quatrata
Great Spotted (Dryobates major)		Analges chelopus, Analgopsis corvinus, Analgopsis pachycnemis, Megninia sp., Mesalges picimaioris
White-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates leucotos)		no specification
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor)		no specification
Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates medius)		Microlichus avus, Pteronyssus brevipes
Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)		no specification
Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)		Analgopsis pachycnemis, Megninia ginglymura, Mesalges picimaioris, Myialges anchora, Pteronyssus gracilis
Northern Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)		Proctophyllodes anthi, Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Family Micropodidae - Swifts Genus Micropus
Common Swift (Micropus apus)		Alloptes cypseli, Analgopsis tridentulatus, Eustathia cultrifer, Megninia aestivalis, Proctophyllodes sp., Pterodectes rutilus, Pteronyssus sp., Trouessartia appendiculata
Alpine Swift (Micropus melba)		Eustathia cultrifer
Family Upupidae Genus Upupa
Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)		no specification
Family Meropidae – Bee-Eater Genus Merops
European Bee-Eater (Merops apiaster)		Analges analgoides, Pterolichus cuculi, Ptilonyssoides triscutatus
Family Alcedinidae - Kingfishers Genus Alcedo
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)		no specification
Family Coraciidae – Rollers Genus Coracias
European Roller (Coracias garrulus)		Analgopsis corvinus
Order Caprimulgus - Nightjars Family Caprimulgidae – Nightjars Genus Caprimulgus
European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europeus)		Rhinonyssus nitzschi
Order Striges – Owls Family Strigidae – Owls Genus Nyctea
Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca)		no specification
Genus Bubo
Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)		Megninia strigisoti
Genus Asio
Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus)		Kramerella lunulata, Megninia strigisoti, Protalges attenuatus
Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus)		Kramerella lunulata
Genus Otus
European Scops Owl (Otus scops)		no specification
Genus Aegolius
Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus)		Kramerella l.lunulata, Protalges attenuatus
Genus Athene
Little Owl (Athene noctua)		Kramerella lunulata
Genus Glaucidium
Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)		no specification
Genus Surnia
Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)		no specification
Genus Strix
Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)		no specification
Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)		Megninia aluconis
Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)		Kramerella lunulata, Mesalges aluconis
Subfamily Tytoninae Genus Tyto
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)		Kramerella lunulata, Megninia strigisoti
Order Cuculi Family Cuculidae –Cuckoos Genus Cuculus
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)		Pterolichus cuculi, Ptilonyssus sp., Xolalges scaurus (Federmilbe des Kuckucks: Genus kommt nur auf dem Kuckuck vor: ein Parallelfall zu der Eigenart der Kuckucksfederlinge!)
Order Accipitres – Birds of Prey Family Falconidae – Birds of Prey Genus Falco
Peregrine (Falco peregrinus germanicus)		Kramerella lunulata major, Megninia strigisoti, Protalges attenuatus
Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)		no specification
Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)		no specification
Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)		Pterolichus minor
Merlin (Falco columbaris)		no specification
Red-Footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)		no specification
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)		no specification
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)		Megninia sp., Protalges accipitrinus
Genus Aquila
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos fulva)		no specification
Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)		no specification
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)		no specification
Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)		no specification
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina)		no specification
Genus Hieraaetus
Bonelli’s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus)		no specification
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)		no specification
Genus Buteo
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)		no specification
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)		Pterolichus aquilinum
Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo zimmermannae)		no specification
Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus)		no specification
Genus Circus
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)		no specification
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)		no specification
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)		no specification
Harrier (Circus pygargus)		Gabucinia nisi
Genus Accipiter
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)		Gabucinia nisi, Pterolichus aquilinum
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)		Dermoglyphus elongatus (meist in den Federschäften; die Art ist sonst nur vom Haushuhn und Kanarienvogel bekannt), Gabucinia nisi (Deutonymphe lebt subkutan z.B. am Ellenbogen), Megninia sp., Protalges accipitrinus
Genus Milvus
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)		no specification
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)		no specification
Genus Heliaeetus
White-tailed Eagle (Heliaeetus albicilla)		Mesalges picimajoris, Pterolichus obtusus
Genus Pernis
Western Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)		Gabucinia nisi
Genus Circaetus
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)		no specification
Genus Pandion
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)		Bonnetella fusca
Genus Gypaetus
Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)		no specification
Genus Neophron
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)		no specification
Genus Gyps
Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)		no specification
Genus Aegypius
Monk Vulture (Aegypius monachus)		no specification
Order Gressores – Wading Birds Family Ciconiidae – Storks Genus Ciconia
White Stork (Cicionia cicionia)		Freyana pelargica, Pterolichus ciconiae, Xoloptes didactylus
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)		Feyana pelargica
Family Plegadidae – Ibisse Genus Platalea
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)		Megninia ibidis, Pteralloptes megnini
Genus Plegadis
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)		Megninia ibidis, Pteralloptes megnini falcinelli
Genus Geronticus
Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)		no specification
Family Ardeidae – Heron Genus Ardea
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)		no specification
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)		no specification
Genus Egretta
Great Egret (Egretta alba)		no specification
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)		no specification
Genus Ardeola
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)		no specification
Genus Nyxcticorax
Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)		no specification
Genus Ixobrychus
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)		no specification
Genus Botaurus
Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)		Pteralloptes stellaris
Order Phoenicopteri - Flamingos Family Phoenicopteridae – Flamingos Genus Phoenicopterus
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber antiquorum)		no specification
Order Steganopodes - Pelicans Family Pelecanidae – Pelicans Genus Pelicanus
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)		no specification
Family Sulidae – Gannet Genus Sula
Northern Gannet (Sula bassana)		Michaelichus caputmedusae
Familie Phalacrocoracidae – Comorants Genus Phalacrocorax
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)		Michaelichus heteropus
Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)		Michaelichus heteropus
Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus)		no specification
Order Anseres – Ducks and Geese Family Anatidae – Ducks and Geese Genus Cygnus
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)		no specification
Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus bewickii)		no specification
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)		Freyana anserina
Genus Anser
Greylag Goose (Anser anser)		Freyana anserina
White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)		no specification
Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus)		no specification
Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)		no specification
Pink-footed Goose (Anser fabalis brachyrhynchus)		no specification
Genus Branta
Brent Goose Brant (Branta bernicla)		no specification
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)		no specification
Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis)		no specification
Genus Tadorna
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)		no specification
Genus Casarca
Ruddy Shelduck (Casarca ferruginea)		no specification
Genus Anas
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)		Freyana anatina, Ingrassia velata, Megninia ginglymura
Common Teal (Anas crecca)		Freyana anatina
Garganey (Anas querquedula)		Bdellorhynchus polymorphus, Freyana anatina
Gadwall (Anas strepera)		no specification
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)		Freyana anatina
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)		Freyana anatina, Proctophyllodes aquaticus
Genus Spatula
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)		Bdellorhynchus polymorphus
Genus Netta
Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)		no specification
Genus Nyroca
Common Pochard (Nyroca ferina)		no specification
Ferruginous Duck (Nyroca nyroca)		no specification
Tufted Duck (Nyroca fuligula)		Freyana anatina
Greater Scaup (Nyroca marila)		no specification
Genus Bucephala
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)		no specification
Genus Clangula
Lonh-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)		no specification
Genus Oidemia
Velvet Scoter (Oidemia fusca)		Freyana anatina
Common Scoter (Oidemia nigra)		Freyana anatina
Genus Somateria
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)		Freyana anatina, Rhinonyssus levinsi
Genus Mergus
Goosander (Mergus merganser)		Freyana anatina, Ptilonyssus nudus
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)		Avenzoaria sp., Freyana anatina
Smew (Mergus albellus)		Alloptes crassipes minor
Order Tubinares – Petrels Family Procellariidae - Petrels Genus Hydrobates
European Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates pelargicus)		Alloptes longirostris, Giebelia puffini, Ingrassia oceanica, Pterodectes pelagicus, Pteronyssus puffini
Genus Oceanodroma
Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa)		no specification
Genus Fulmarus
Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)		Giebelia puffini
Order Podicipedes – Podicipediformes Genus Podiceps
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)		Pterolichus colymbi maior
Red-Necked Grebe (Podiceps griseigena)		no specification
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)		no specification
Black-Necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)		no specification
Little Grebe (Podiceps ruficollis)		no specification
Order Colymbi – Seadiver Genus Colymbus
Great Northern Diver (Colymbus immer)		no specification
Black-Thorated Diver (Colymbus arcticus)		no specification
Red-Thorated Diver (Colymbus stellatus)		Pterolichus colymbi maior
Order Columbae – Pigeons Genus Columba
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)		Falculifer rostratus, Sarcopterinus nidulans, Pterophagus strictus, Megninia columbae
Stock Dove (Columba oenas)		Falculifer rostratus, Megninia columbae, Pterophagus strictus, Sarcopterinus nidulans
Genus Streptopelia
Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)		Megninia columbae
Order Alcae - Auks Genus Alca
Razorbill (Alca torda)		Allopes crassipes minor
Genus Uria
Common Guillemont (Uria aalge)		Alloptes crassipes conura
Brünnich’s Guillemont (Uria lomvia)		no specification
Genus Cepphus
Black Guillemont (Cepphus grylle)		Alloptes crassipes minor
Genus Fratercula
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)		Alloptes crassipes minor
Order Laro-Limicolae – Waders and Gulls Family Burhinidae - Dewlaps Genus Burhinus
Stone-Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus)		no specification
Family Charadriidae – Plovers Genus Vanellus
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)		Ingrassia centropodos, Megninia gallinulae subsp.
Genus Squatarola
Grey Plover (Squatarola squatarola)		Pterolichus squatarolae, Pterolichus buchholzi, Thecarthra longitarsa (in Federschäften)
Genus Pluvialis
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricarius)		Thecarthra longitarsa (in Federschäften)
Genus Charadrius
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)		Avenzoaria charadrii, Pterolichus charadrii, Rhinonyssus echinipes, Thecarthra bouveti (in Federschäften)
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)		Avenzoaria charadrii, Syringobius tricalcarata (in Federspulen)
Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)		Avenzoaria charadrii
Eurasian Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus)		no specification
Genus Arenaria
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)		Pterolichus buchholzi fascigera, Thecarthra trouessarti (in Federschäften)
Genus Calidris
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)		no specification
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)		Alloptes bisetatus, Alloptes crassipes conura, Alloptes crassipes crassipes, Avenzoaria totani??, sp., Avenzoaria tringae
Little Stint (Calidris minuta)		Avenzoaria totani, Avenzoaria tringae, Ingrassia tringae, Syringobia tringae (in Federspulen)
Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii)		no specification
Red Knot (Calidris canutus)		Proctophyllodes megaphyllus, Pterolichus buchholzi fascigera
Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima)		Alloptes bisetatus, Rhinonyssus neglectus, Syringobia chelopus
Genus Crocethia
Sanderling (Crocethia alba)		no specification
Genus Philomachus
Ruff / Reeve (Philomachus pugnax)		Alloptes crassipes conura, A.crassipes crassipes, Avenzoaria totani sp., Avenzoari tringae
Genus Limicola
Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus)		no specification
Genus Tringa
Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)		no specification
Redshank (Tringa totanus)		Alloptes gambettae, Avenzoaria bengalensis, Avenzoaria calidridis, Avenzoaria grallatoris, Avenzoaria indica, Avenzoaria limicolae, Avenzoaria totani, Avenzoaria tringae, Plutarchia chelopus, Pterolichus buchholzi fascigera, Pteronyssus gracilipes, Sammonia interfolia, Syringobia calidridis, Syringobia chelopus, Syringobia totani (The Plutarchia- and Syringobia-species are living inside of feather shafts.), Syringophilus totani, Thecarthra bouveti (in the feather shaft).
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)		no specification
Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)		Sphaerogastra thylacodes
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)		Syringobia calcerata (in Federschäften), Syringophilus helleri
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)		no specification
Genus Actitis
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)		Avenzoaria charadrii, Megninia forcipata
Genus Phalaropus
Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius)		Avenzoaria sp.
Red-necked Phalarope (Phalarropus lobatus)		no specification
Genus Himantopus
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)		Pterolichus rehbergi gracilis, Avenzoraria charadrii
Genus Recurvirostra
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)		Avenzoaria charadrii
Genus Limosa
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)		Alloptes crassipes conura, Alloptes crassipes crassipes, Avenzoaria sp., Avenzoaria tringae, Pterolichus buchholzi
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)		Avenzoaria limosae selenura, Thecarthra setigera (in Federschäften), Megninia forcipata
Genus Numenius
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)		Alloptes crassipes crassipes, Pterolichus winnii
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)		Avenzoaria numenii, Pterolichus numenii
Genus Scolopax
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)		Microlichus avus, Proctophyllodes glandarinus, Proctophyllodes scolopacinus, Proctophyllodes scolopacis
Genus Capella
Common Snipe (Capella gallinago)		Alloptes flagellicaulus, Avenzoaria charadrii
Great Snipe (Capella media)		Microlichus avus
Genus Lymnocryptes
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)		Avenzoaria charadrii
Genus Haematopus
Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)		Avenzoaria charadrii
Family Laridae – Gull family Subfamily Sterninae – Terns Genus Chlidonias
Black Tern (Chlidonias nigra)		Alloptes bisetatus, Thecarthra simplex simplex, Thecarthra simplex tyroglyphina (die Arten leben im Inneren der Federschäfte)
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucoptera)		Thecarthra simplex tyroglyphina
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)		no specification
Genus Gelochelidon
Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)		no specification
Genus Hydroprogne
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne tschegrava)		Thecarthra theca (im Inneren der Federschäfte)
Genus Sterna
Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)		Alloptes bisetatus
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)		Anoplonotus semaphorus, Alloptes bisetatus, Freyana anatina, Giebelia puffini, Pterolichus martini, Thecarthra sp. (in Federschäften)
Arctic Tern (Sterna macrura)		Giebelia puffini, Picobia heeri, Pteronyssus sp.
Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)		Alloptes crassipes crassipes, Giebelia puffini, Thecarthra sp. (im Inneren der Federschäfte)
Subfamily Larinae – True gull Genus Xema
Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabinii)		Giebelia puffini
Genus Larus
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)		no specification
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)		Mesalges puffini
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)		Syringophilus major, Thecarthra sp.
Common Gull (Larus canus)		Alloptes crassipes conura, Giebelia puffini, Pteronyssus sp.
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)		no specification
Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)		no specification
Little Gull (Larus minutus)		no specification
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundud)		Alloptes crassipes conura, A.c. minor, Giebelia puffini
Genus Rissa
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)		Alloptes crassipes conura
Subfamily Stercorariinae – Skuas Genus Stercorarius
Great Skua (Stercorarius skua)		no specification
Pomarin Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus)		no specification
Parasitic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)		Alloptes bisetatus, Giebelia puffini, Thecarthra theca subsp.
Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus)		Giebelia puffini
Order Otides – Bustards Genus Otis
Great Bustard (Otis tarda)		Rhinonyssus nitzschi
Little Bustard (Otis tetrax)		no specification
Order Grues – Cranes Genus Grus
Common Crane (Grus grus)		no specification
Order Ralli – Crake Genus Rallus
Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)		Ingrassia velata, Megninia gallinulae subsp., Megninia rallorum, Pteralloptes megnini
Genus Porzana
Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana)		Alloptes quadrisetatus, Megninia g. gallinulae, Megninia g. major, Megninia gallinulae subsp., Pterodectes ortygometrae, Pterolichus porzanae, Trouessartia corvina
Baillon’s Crake (Porzana pusilla)		Dermation bihamatum
Little Crake (Porzana parva)		no specification
Genus Crex
Corn Crake (Crex crex)		Pteroliochus rallorum (Deutonymphe endoparasitisch)
Genus Gallinula
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)		Megninia gallinulae gallinulae, Megninia grossa, Proctophyllodes glandarinus
Genus Fulica
Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)		no specification
Order Galli – Galliformes Subfamily Phasianinae - True fowls Genus Lagopus
Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus)		Pseudalloptes bimucronatus
Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus)		Pseudalloptes bimucronatus
Genus Lyrurus
Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix)		Megninia tetraonis
Genus Tatrao
Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)		no specification
Genus Tetrastes
Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia)		no specification
Genus Alectoris
Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca)		no specification
Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)		Pterolichus obtusus, Rivoltasia bifurcata maior, Xoloptes claudicans
Genus Perdix
Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)		Microlichus perdicis,Pterolichus obtusus, Xoloptes claudicans
Genus Coturnix
Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)		Megninia gallinulae subsp., Pterodectes bilobatus, Xoloptes claudicans
Genus Phasianus
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)		Megninia ginglymura, Pterolichus "obtusus"

III. Feather mites in the field of vision of the dictionaries

A look in the following 22 encyclopedias shows that feather mites compared to feather lice are not nearly as well-known. Feather mites were described in only six, quill mites in three and feather follicle mites in five. Without consideration of two special encyclopedias (Encyclopedia of Veterinary Medicine and The Big Encyclopedia of Bird Care by Franz Robiller) the result would have even been poorer.

Feather lice in comparison were mentioned in 18 encyclopedias:

General Encyclopedia of Science and Art by J.S. Ersch und J.G. Gruber, Leipzig, 1818

Feather mites:		not as an independent keyword; but in Acarus there is a lengthy discourse covening feather mites by Nitzsch
Quill mites:		no
Feather follicle mites:		no
Feather lice:		no