With its piercing call and characteristic undulating flight, the Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) is a striking, colourful presence at Château Cazebonne. Recognisable by its bright olive-green plumage, vivid yellow rump and ruby-red crown, it is often more easily identified by its laughing, yaffling call than by its elusive silhouette. Unlike its tree-climbing cousins, the Green Woodpecker spends a significant amount of time on the ground, methodically patrolling our grassed inter-rows. It is here that it deploys a fascinating hunting strategy: using its extraordinarily long, extendable and sticky tongue, it probes subterranean galleries to flush out its favourite prey—ants and their larvae.

Its predilection for these insects makes the Green Woodpecker an invaluable indicator of our soil vitality. Its presence bears witness to an ecosystem that is not only rich in insects, but also free from synthetic pesticides, allowing microbial life and soil fauna to thrive. At Cazebonne, this vitality has intensified since our conversion to organic viticulture in 2017. Freed from chemical constraints, the soils have regained their ability to sustain a flourishing biodiversity. This richness was corroborated in October 2023, when an independent ornithologist recorded more than 25 different bird species across the estate, with the Green Woodpecker standing out as one of the most visible ambassadors of this revival.

Carefully observing our wildlife, particularly species such as the Green Woodpecker, reinforces our commitment to viticulture in complete harmony with its natural environment. It also inspires our efforts to preserve Bordeaux's viticultural heritage. This meticulous work—bringing almost forgotten grape varieties such as Castets, Mancin or Saint Macaire back to life—runs in parallel with our biodiversity initiatives. These varieties, whose history and characteristics are beautifully recounted in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" published by Éditions BBD and written by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, have once again found their rightful place in our vineyards. This resurrection is only made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our vision of authentic, respectful viticulture.

An essential hunter for vineyard life

The Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 30 to 36 cm in length with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm. Easily identifiable, its plumage is dominated by a bright olive green across its back and wings, contrasting with a paler underside. Its head features a scarlet crown and a distinctive black moustachial stripe, which is centred with red in males. Its flight is undulating—a succession of wingbeats followed by short glides—making it instantly recognisable.

Present throughout the year, the Green Woodpecker is non-migratory and remains faithful to its territory. Its life cycle within the vineyard is closely tied to the availability of its primary food source: ants. In spring, it establishes its nest, usually in the cavity of a hollow tree, to raise its young. During summer and autumn, it actively roams the grassed inter-rows, tirelessly foraging for anthills. Even in winter, despite the cold, it continues to probe the ground for ant colonies, often beneath snow or frost.

Habitat and ecological importance

At Château Cazebonne, the Green Woodpecker particularly favours the edges of our vineyard plots, meadows, and surrounding woodlands, which provide both nesting trees and insect-rich soils for foraging. It is frequently observed "grazing" on the vineyard floor, using its powerful tongue to reach underground tunnels. Its presence serves as a strong indicator of a healthy ecosystem, reflecting living, vibrant soils and the total absence of chemical inputs. It represents an essential link in the biodiversity chain. Its ecological role is substantial: by consuming vast quantities of ants and their larvae, it actively contributes to the natural regulation of these populations. Its continual quest for ants, which can sometimes be considered pests in certain agricultural contexts, makes it a valuable vineyard ally. While it feeds predominantly on ants, the Green Woodpecker may occasionally consume other soil invertebrates, yet it never interacts with the vines in a harmful way. On the contrary, by maintaining biological balance, it supports the overall health of the vineyard. This natural pest regulation is fundamental to our pesticide-free approach to viticulture.

At Cazebonne, we see the tangible benefits of the Green Woodpecker's presence every day. Its regular sightings and unmistakable calls reflect a rich environment where flora and fauna coexist in harmony. It stands as a symbol of our dedication to respectful viticulture, where every element of the ecosystem—from ants to birds—plays a crucial part.

At Château Cazebonne, we work daily to revive Bordeaux's winemaking heritage by replanting historic, forgotten grape varieties. This work is made possible by the support of passionate wine enthusiasts who enjoy our wines and share our commitment to authentic, mindful viticulture. If you would like to learn more about these resurrected varieties, we invite you to download the digital version of our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" or test your knowledge with our wine quizzes. And of course, to experience the fruits of this passion and dedication firsthand, feel free to explore our online shop and our cuvées.