What was the name of McDonald's first major bird mascot, introduced in 1980?

Birdie the Early Bird was McDonald's first major bird mascot, introduced in 1980.

Birdie joined the McDonaldland cast as the character associated with McDonald's breakfast menu. Her name emphasized the idea of getting up early, matching the restaurant's effort to promote breakfast as an important daypart rather than a minor addition.

She was not one of the original 1970s McDonaldland characters. That distinction matters because McDonald's advertising expanded its fantasy cast over time as new products and marketing priorities emerged. Birdie's arrival reflected the growing importance of breakfast in the brand's identity.

Birdie is sometimes confused with other McDonaldland figures because the campaign used a large ensemble of colorful characters. The Professor represented invention and experimentation, while Captain Crook was a separate character. Birdie's defining branding role was her connection with the early-morning breakfast occasion.