Which McDonald's character was known as the chain's early-bird mascot?

Birdie the Early Bird was McDonald's early-bird mascot.

McDonald's introduced Birdie in 1980 as part of its expanding family of advertising characters. She was associated with breakfast, helping the company promote its morning menu and establish a distinct identity for breakfast hours. Her name directly reinforced the early-morning theme.

Birdie's appearance included yellow clothing and aviator-style accessories, giving the character a visual connection with flying and early travel. She joined Ronald McDonald and other McDonaldland figures in commercials and promotional materials.

A frequent mix-up is assuming Birdie was part of the original 1971 McDonaldland cast. She arrived later, in 1980, when McDonald's was giving breakfast a more prominent place in its branding. Her role was specifically tied to the morning daypart rather than to burgers, theft-themed plots, or evening dining.