BirdNote Daily Jane Kim and the Wall of Birds
Dec 1, 2025
In this engaging conversation, artist Jane Kim discusses her monumental Wall of Birds mural at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She describes creating 270 life-sized portraits showcasing both living and extinct bird species. Jane shares insights on using vibrant colors for visibility and the challenges of capturing fine details on such a grand scale. She reflects on how the mural connects viewers to global bird diversity and serves as a scientific snapshot, inviting a deeper appreciation for our avian companions.
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Epic Life-Size Mural At Cornell
- Jane Kim painted 270 life-sized portraits of birds, ancestors, and a caiman for the Wall of Birds at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
- The mural spans about the size of a tennis court and is best viewed from the second-story balcony.
Design Differentiates Past And Present
- Living birds are rendered in full color while extinct species are sketched in black and gray to separate past and present.
- Jane balanced scale and detail so small species remain visible from the balcony view.
Scientists Guided Lifelike Poses
- Jane worked with the lab's scientific advisors to capture each bird's features and typical behaviors.
- She positioned species in lifelike poses like cling, climb, swim, and display to give the mural more life than a static field guide.