About
French-American artist and ornithologist (birdwatcher) who painted North American birds in great detail. His color-plate book, "The Birds of America," was highly esteemed long after his death. He discovered and named 25 new species of birds.
Before Fame
He wanted to improve upon the work of famed poet-naturalist Alexander Wilson and used Wilson's oeuvre as a guiding light for his career. He began his ornithology work in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Trivia
His name was given to the most famous ornithological organization, the National Audubon Society.
Family Life
He was born on a Haiti sugar plantation and was the illegitimate son of a French Naval officer and a chambermaid. He married Lucy Bakewell in 1808, and the couple had four children.
Associated With
He was mentioned by Charles Darwin in "On the Origin of Species," Darwin's controversial and seminal work.
