Which McDonald's character first appeared in 1980 advertising as a breakfast mascot?

Birdie the Early Bird first appeared in McDonald's advertising in 1980 as a breakfast mascot.

McDonald's created Birdie to promote the company's breakfast menu, which had become an important part of its restaurant business. The yellow bird wore a pink flight suit and goggles, visually connecting her name and personality with the idea of starting the day early.

Birdie joined the established McDonaldland cast rather than replacing Ronald McDonald or the other characters. Her role was more specialized: she gave the breakfast menu its own branded representative and appeared in promotions aimed at families and children.

Birdie is sometimes confused with later McDonald's characters because the company used several mascots for particular products or occasions. Her name, “the Early Bird,” is the key distinction: it directly identifies the breakfast positioning of the character.