What is the name of McDonald's red-haired bird mascot introduced in 1980 to promote breakfast foods?

McDonald's red-haired bird mascot introduced in 1980 to promote breakfast foods was Birdie the Early Bird.

Birdie joined the McDonaldland cast as McDonald's expanded its breakfast identity. Her design used bright colors and a bird motif to connect the character with waking early and eating breakfast. She appeared in advertising and promotional materials alongside Ronald McDonald and other McDonaldland figures.

Her arrival followed McDonald's successful development of a national breakfast business. Breakfast had become an important part of the company's menu and daily sales, so a dedicated character gave the category its own memorable branding rather than relying only on the general McDonaldland cast.

Birdie is often confused with generic cartoon birds or with other McDonaldland characters because she appeared less frequently in later campaigns. Her full name, Birdie the Early Bird, identifies both the character and the breakfast message she was created to communicate.