Ornithological biography, Vol. 2 (of 5) : $b An account of the habits of the birds of the United States of America

"Ornithological Biography, Vol. 2 (of 5): An Account of the Habits of the Birds of the United States of America" by John James Audubon is a scientific publication written in the early 19th century. The work serves to document the behaviors and habitats of various bird species found in the United States, complemented by illustrations from Audubon's earlier collection, "The Birds of America." The book provides detailed observations and descriptions of bird life, shedding light on their interactions with the environment and each other. The opening of this volume reflects Audubon's personal journey of discovery as he traverses the vast landscapes of America—from its majestic forests to its coastal shores. He shares his heartfelt sentiments about separation from family, alongside a growing longing for connection with nature. The text details his travels through significant locales, introduces notable figures encountered along the way, and sets the stage for meticulous descriptions of bird species. In this portion, Audubon expresses his gratitude toward friends and supporters while hinting at the continued exploration of avian life, thus inviting readers to join him in an immersive experience of ornithological study. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John James Audubon was a French-American self-trained artist, naturalist, and ornithologist. His combined interests in art and ornithology turned into a plan to make a complete pictorial record of all the bird species of North America. He was notable for his extensive studies documenting all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations, which depicted the birds in their natural habitats. His major work, a color-plate book titled The Birds of America (1827–1839), is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed. Audubon is also known for identifying 25 new species. He is the eponym of the National Audubon Society, and his name adorns a large number of towns, neighborhoods, and streets across the United States. Dozens of scientific names first published by Audubon are still in use by the scientific community. In recent years his legacy has become controversial for his involvement in slavery and his racist writings as well as allegations of dishonesty.