The authors establish the fact of distribution of oribatid mites by birds earlier unknown from the literature. More than 1,222 individuals of 150 species of birds of different ecological groups were surveyed. 146 species of live oribatid mites were collected in bird feathers. Some oribatid mite species constantly live in bird feathers. The authors assume, that they eat not particles of bird skin, but fungi, which live on bird feathers and skin, as all oribates are micophagous.

The authors have established that oribatid mites (Acariformes, Oribatei) are transmitted by birds. More than 2,100 birds of 150 species from different ecological groups were surveyed. 180 species of live oribatid mites were collected from bird feathers. Some oribatid mite species live in bird feathers constantly. The authors assume that oribatid mites feed not on the particles of the skin, but on fungi inhabiting bird feathers, as all oribatid mites are mycophagous. Oribatid mites were found in different forms of their lifecycle. It has been established that they reproduce in bird feathers. Transmission of these microarthropods by birds may be a principle cause of their distribution, especially in the remote Arctic areas, on the Oceanic islands, and in the oases of deserts.