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This footage documents the ground-nesting behavior of the Asian green bee-eater (Merops orientalis), also known as the little green bee-eater, a widespread resident bird across India. Filmed in a natural setting, the clip shows the bird actively burrowing into sandy ground, using its legs like shovels to kick out loose sand while shaping a nesting tunnel. This repetitive backward kicking motion is a classic and fascinating example of avian excavation behavior. Asian green bee-eaters are colonial ground nesters, typically digging long horizontal tunnels in sandy banks, open ground, or gentle slopes. These tunnels can extend over a meter in length and end in a nesting chamber where eggs are laid. Both male and female participate in this demanding task, which may take several days to complete
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