Which McDonald's character was created as the chain's first female mascot in 1980?

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

Birdie was introduced to promote McDonald's breakfast menu and was designed as a bright yellow bird. Her name connected her directly with the idea of getting up early, matching the restaurant's effort to establish breakfast as an important daypart.

She joined the existing McDonaldland cast, which already included Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar, Grimace, and Mayor McCheese. Unlike characters built around hamburgers or mischief, Birdie gave the company a mascot specifically associated with morning meals.

Birdie is sometimes confused with the Fry Kids, another colorful group of McDonald's advertising characters. The Fry Kids represented French fries, while Birdie's identity and role were tied to breakfast and early mornings.