Which McDonald's character was created as a female bird mascot in 1980?

Birdie the Early Bird was created as McDonald's female bird mascot in 1980.

Birdie was introduced in 1980 as a character associated with McDonald's breakfast menu. Her name highlighted the idea of arriving early, matching the restaurant's effort to build recognition for breakfast items and morning service.

She joined the established McDonaldland cast, which already included figures such as Ronald McDonald, Grimace, the Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, and Officer Big Mac. Her bright costume and bird design gave the brand a character specifically linked to a daypart rather than to a single burger product.

Birdie is sometimes confused with later McDonald's promotional figures or with generic cartoon birds used in advertising. Her distinguishing branding role was breakfast. The character's introduction also reflected a broader shift in McDonald's marketing toward promoting meals and occasions beyond the traditional hamburger-and-fries identity.