John James Audubon - Birds of America. John James Audubon (born Jean-Jacques Rabin) was an ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. His major work, The Birds of America, published between 1827 and 1839, was an extensive study documenting all types of American birds in their natural habitats. It is considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed and he is the namesake of many streets, towns, and neighbors across America.