Western Chicken Flea vs Pigeon Flea

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Chicken Flea Pigeon Flea
Scientific Name Ceratophyllus niger Ceratophyllus columbae
Order Siphonaptera Siphonaptera
Family Ceratophyllidae Ceratophyllidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Western North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Western Chicken Flea

A poultry flea common in western North America that infests chickens and other domestic birds. Heavy infestations reduce egg production and can kill young chicks.

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Did You Know?

Larvae develop in accumulated nest debris and droppings in poultry houses rather than on the bird itself.

Pigeon Flea

A flea found in pigeon nests and dovecotes that can bite humans in infested buildings. It thrives in the accumulated droppings and debris of pigeon roosts.

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Did You Know?

Urban pest controllers frequently encounter it when clearing pigeon infestations from building interiors.