Which McDonald's character was designed as a talking bird and introduced in 1980?

Birdie the Early Bird was the McDonald's character designed as a talking bird and introduced in 1980.

McDonald's created Birdie to promote the chain's breakfast menu. Her name connected directly with the idea of getting up early, while her bright yellow appearance made her easy to identify in television commercials, restaurant displays, and promotional materials.

Birdie joined the McDonaldland cast after several characters had already become established. Unlike characters built around hamburgers, cheese, or milkshakes, she represented a daypart: breakfast. That gave McDonald's a mascot specifically suited to encouraging customers to visit in the morning.

Birdie is sometimes confused with other bird characters or with later breakfast advertising. Her defining combination is the name “Birdie the Early Bird,” the 1980 introduction, and her role in promoting McDonald's breakfast offerings.