This is Bird Note. In December 2015, artist Jane Kim completed a massive painting about the wonders of birds.

So the wall of birds is a interior mural located at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's visitor center.

And this mural is meant to celebrate the evolution and diversity of birds.

It depicts nearly 250 life-sized birds and several of their ancient predecessors on a map of the world where each lives.

Jane worked closely with the Cornell Lab to ensure that each portrait is scientifically accurate.

And so some of the birds I definitely have in their calling posture

because I think that bird is so known for their calls,

like the three-waddled bellbird is like an absolute stunner.

But that particular call is just bonkers.

I mean, it is a bonk.

It is like a literal bonk.

The wood warbler has its mouth open, calling out.

Or the liar bird. How can you not be enchanted by the liar bird?

Yeah. liar bird, how can you not be enchanted by the liar bird? In Australia, the superb lyrebird waves as elaborate tail feathers overhead.

In North America, a Carolina wren tilts an open bill to the sky.

All across the map is a world full of bird song.

I really hope that the call looks like you can hear it,

the action of it in the painting.

For Bird Note, I'm Nick Byard.