Red-collared Widowbird is split into two species, based on consistent differences in plumage and tail length (of males), and on relatively deep levels of genetic divergence (De Silva et al. 2019). The polytypic group Red-collared Widowbird (Red-cowled) Euplectes ardens laticauda/suahelicus, with subspecies laticauda and suahelicus, becomes Red-cowled Widowbird Euplectes laticauda; and the monotypic group Red-collared Widowbird (Red-collared) Euplectes ardens ardens retains the names Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens.