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"The Birds of America" took 12 years to complete due to the meticulous and time-consuming process involved in capturing the intricate details of each bird species. John James Audubon, the artist and naturalist behind the project, spent countless hours observing, sketching, and painting the birds in their natural habitats. The result was a stunning collection of 435 life-sized prints that showcased the diversity and beauty of North American birdlife.