Each of the two groups is recognized as a separate species, based on differences in plumage coloration, the presence or absence of bare facial skin, and differences in tarsus coloration (del Hoyo and Collar 2014, Eaton et al. 2021). Therefore the monotypic group Woolly-necked Stork (African) Ciconia episcopus microscelis becomes African Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia microscelis; and the polytypic group Woolly-necked Stork (Asian) Ciconia episcopus episcopus/neglecta becomes Asian Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, with subspecies episcopus and neglecta.