If you’re learning Tagalog, teaching the younger generation about animals, birdwatching in the Philippines, or simply want to talk about crows like a local, the word for Crow in Tagalog is uwak (pronounced oo-WAK, with stress on the second syllable). This is the standard, native, and most widely used Tagalog term for crows and ravens—intelligent, loud, black birds famous for their “caw-caw” calls and clever behavior.
In everyday speech, rural conversations, and nature talks across the Philippines, uwak is the word you’ll hear everywhere: “May uwak sa bubong!” (There’s a crow on the roof!) or “Ang uwak ay matalino!” (The crow is smart!). Crows are common sights in Philippine towns, farms, and forests—often seen scavenging, calling loudly, or mobbing hawks.
This guide covers pronunciation, crows in Philippine nature, 12 practical example sentences, and related vocabulary—so you can confidently use the term Crow in Tagalog.
Table of Contents
What Is Crow in Tagalog? Pronunciation and Basics
Uwak is the core word for Crow in Tagalog. It is used for all crow species, including the large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) common in the Philippines and the smaller house crow in urban areas. Pronunciation is oo-WAK—say it with a clear “oo” (like “moon”) and a sharp “wak.”
Common distinctions in everyday Tagalog:
- Uwak = Crow (general)
- Mga uwak = Crows (plural)
- Uwak na itim = Black crow (most common description)
- Uwak sa bukid = Field crow / rural crow
In the Philippines, uwak are abundant in cities, rice fields, forests, and coastal areas—intelligent birds that adapt well to humans. For more information on bird species and global conservation, you can visit BirdLife International or check out the Audubon Society for bird behavior insights.
Fascinating Facts About Uwak in Philippine Nature
The Philippines has several crow species—the large-billed crow is the most widespread, found from Luzon to Mindanao. They are highly intelligent: crows use tools, recognize faces, solve problems, and even hold grudges. In rural areas, farmers sometimes see them as pests because they eat rice or fruit, but they also help control insects.

How to Use Uwak in Everyday Tagalog: 12 Example Sentences
Here are 12 practical sentences for using the term Crow in Tagalog, perfect for nature walks, family conversations, or casual birdwatching.
- May uwak sa bubong — ang lakas ng wak niya!(There’s a crow on the roof — its caw is so loud!)
- Sa bukid, maraming uwak na kumakain ng mga insekto.(In the rice field, there are many crows eating insects.)
- Ang uwak ay matalino at marunong gumamit ng tool.(Crows are smart and can use tools.)
- Paano makikilala ang uwak sa iba pang itim na ibon?(How do you distinguish a crow from other black birds?)
- Sa umaga, maririnig mo ang wak-wak ng mga uwak.(In the morning, you can hear the cawing of the crows.)
- Huwag kang magulat kung may uwak na lumalapit sa pagkain mo.(Don’t be surprised if a crow approaches your food.)
- Ang uwak ay kumakain ng halos anumang bagay — prutas, isda, o basura.(Crows eat almost anything — fruit, fish, or trash.)
- Sa kwentong bayan, ang uwak ay madalas na tuso at mapanlinlang.(In folk stories, the crow is often clever and deceptive.)
- Nakakatuwa panoorin ang uwak na lumilipad nang mataas.(It’s fun to watch crows flying high.)
- Sa probinsya, ang mga uwak ay sumusunod sa magsasaka sa bukid.(In the province, crows follow farmers in the field.)
- Ang uwak ay may matalim na tuka at itim na balahibo.(Crows have sharp beaks and black feathers.)
- Gusto kong makita ulit ang kawan ng uwak sa puno malapit sa bahay.(I want to see the flock of crows in the tree near the house again.)
Practice these sentences aloud—they’re exactly what you’ll hear from families, farmers, and storytellers in the Philippines.
Related Tagalog Vocabulary for Crows & Birds
- Crow = Uwak
- Caw / crow call = Wak-wak
- Beak = Tuka
- Feather = Balahibo
- Wing = Pakpak
- Flock = Kawan
- Bird = Ibon
- Black bird = Itim na ibon
Try: “Ang uwak ay itim na ibon na may matalim na tuka.” (The crow is a black bird with a sharp beak.) If you are interested in other animals, check out our guide on Crab facts or learn the word for Octopus facts.
FAQ About Uwak in Tagalog
What is the Tagalog word for crow?
Uwak—the standard term for crows and ravens.
How do you pronounce uwak?
Oo-WAK (stress on “wak”).
What sound does a crow make in Tagalog?
Wak-wak—the classic onomatopoeia for crow calls.
Are crows common in the Philippines?
Yes—large-billed crows are widespread in urban and rural areas.
How to say “crow flock” in Tagalog?
Kawan ng uwak—used when seeing groups roosting or feeding.
Conclusion: Start Using Uwak Today
The term Crow in Tagalog captures the loud, clever spirit of Philippine skies—from the early-morning wak-wak on rooftops to the smart scavenging in rice fields. These black birds are survivors and fascinating neighbors in daily life. With these 12 example sentences, you can talk about wildlife confidently.
Next time you hear that familiar call, say “Tingnan mo ang uwak!” Learning Tagalog through birds and nature makes it lively and practical. For more animal vocabulary, check out our posts on Starfish facts or Sea Lion facts. Salamat for reading!