birdwatching

The Variable Sunbird: A Flashy Gem of Arusha, Tanzania

Male Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) with metallic blue-green head and yellow belly in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Variable Sunbird: A Flashy Gem of Arusha

The call of the Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus)—a rhythmic tew-tew-tew-tew-tew—is one of the most iconic sounds of equatorial Africa. These flashy little avians are the "socialites" of the savanna; they often perch on the highest branches and are never shy about announcing their presence to the world!

A Study in Iridescence

The male, shown here, is truly brilliant. His head and nape shimmer with a “metallic” blue-green luster that contrasts sharply against a vibrant yellow belly. It’s a color palette that seems almost too bright to be real.

Beyond its beauty, the sunbird is a precision-engineered feeder. Its needle-like curved beak and specialized tubular tongue are perfect for extracting nectar from the deep bells of tropical flowers. While they look similar to hummingbirds, sunbirds are a distinct Old World family of birds.

Backyard Birding in Tanzania

I spotted this particular specimen enjoying a midday shower in the sprinklers at our lodge outside of Arusha, Tanzania. It’s a reminder that on safari, the magic doesn't just happen in the parks—sometimes it’s right outside your room!

Join the 2027 Expedition

Want to see the “jewels” of Arusha for yourself?

  • February 2026: Sold Out.

  • February 2027: Don't miss the "tew-tew" call in person! Email us (here’s the link) to join the 2027 Waitlist and get priority access to our next Tanzanian adventure.

Walking on Stilts: A Close Encounter with the World’s Leggiest Bird in Tanzania

Walking on Stilts: A Day at Lake Magadi, Tanzania

If you ever find yourself on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, your eyes will likely be drawn to the massive lions or the rare black rhinos. But if you look toward the shimmering, salt-crusted edges of Lake Magadi, you’ll find one of the most elegant (and slightly comedic) sights in East Africa: the Black-winged Stilt.

The "Supermodel" of the Soda Lake

The first thing you notice about the Black-winged Stilt is the contrast. Their plumage is a sharp, tuxedo-like black and white, topped off with a needle-thin beak. But then, you see the legs.

Bright pink and impossibly thin, these legs look like they shouldn’t be able to support the bird at all. In fact, stilts hold the record for the longest legs relative to body size of any bird in the world. Watching them navigate the slapping waves of Lake Magadi, it’s immediately clear how they earned their name; they truly look like they are walking on wooden poles.

Why Lake Magadi?

Lake Magadi isn't your typical freshwater retreat. It is a soda (alkaline) lake, a harsh environment that most animals avoid. However, for waders like the stilt, it’s a goldmine.

  • Foraging Strategy: Their height allows them to wade deeper than other shorebirds, reaching food sources that smaller birds can't touch.

  • The Menu: They use those sharp beaks to peck at brine flies, larvae, and small crustaceans that thrive in the alkaline waters.

  • Adaptation: While the soda levels can be corrosive, the stilt thrives here, sharing the shoreline with shimmering flocks of Lesser Flamingos.

A Photographer’s Dream

Capturing a Black-winged Stilt in motion is a highlight of any Tanzanian safari. Whether they are delicately picking their way through the mud or taking flight with those long legs trailing behind them like a rudder, they bring a unique grace to the rugged landscape of the crater.

Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting Ngorongoro, bring a pair of high-quality binoculars or a long telephoto lens. The stilts often stick to the muddy shallows of Lake Magadi where the "slapping waves" meet the shore—a perfect spot for action shots.