I would have to give a resounding "YES" to that question. Amber and Bear will always look in our directions when we mention their names. Lazer did the same. They also know which nicknames are used when they're being naughty. As for coming when called, that's up to them. Usually, there has to be something in it for them (raisins, other treats, etc.). They have learned to ignore the parrot just like the dog guide did. Merlin (the African Grey) has the habit of calling the dog -- and now the ferrets. He's a teaser. The woozles ignore him now. When we rescued Bear, we didn't know his name. He was roughly four years old. A BEW, he looked like a stretched out polar bear, and thus his name. I would estimate that it took him about three weeks to adapt to his new name. He also gets a case of the cutes when I call him "My Son My Son." Amber catches the cutes when I call her "Ammy-wee", so yes, I would have to say that they DO know their names. [Posted in FML issue 1476]