This flea was first described by the German botanist and entomologist Franz von Paula Schrank in 1803.

[3] The adult Ceratophyllus gallinae is some 2 to 2.5 mm (0.08 to 0.10 in) long, laterally flattened, and brown.

It has a pair of simple eyes, a proboscis for sucking blood, and a characteristic four to six bristles on the femur of the hind leg.

[4] Ceratophyllus gallinae has a broad host range, being associated with several species of birds with dry cavity or semi-cavity nests, mostly constructed in bushes and trees.

The tit family does provide the optimal reproductive conditions for C. gallinae, suggesting that it is the main host of this species.

[7] Although many species of flea require a blood meal before they can copulate, that is not the case with Ceratophyllus gallinae.

[11] Fleas like C. gallinae that are found in nests often develop a defined breeding season, which coincides with that of their host.