Final answer:
John James Audubon is the painter and naturalist who became famous for his detailed paintings of North American birds. He created 'The Birds of America' and inspired the Audubon Society, known for its conservation efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Franco-American painter and naturalist known for his detailed depictions of North America's wild bird species is John James Audubon. Arriving in Pennsylvania at the age of 18, he began a career that culminated in the creation of his seminal work, The Birds of America, first published in 1827. Despite being known for having shot a large number of birds for his art, he is considered a forefather to the environmental movement, with the Audubon Society, named in his honor, being heavily involved in wildlife preservation for over a century.