Which McDonald's mascot was introduced in 1980 as the chain's first character designed to promote breakfast?

Birdie the Early Bird was introduced by McDonald's in 1980 as a character designed to promote breakfast.

Birdie was a yellow bird wearing an aviator-style outfit and became associated with McDonald's growing breakfast business. Her name directly linked the mascot to the idea of arriving early for morning food.

The character expanded McDonald's established mascot strategy beyond hamburgers and lunch-oriented products. Breakfast had become an important part of the chain's menu identity, and Birdie gave television commercials and in-store promotions a character specifically connected with that daypart.

Birdie is sometimes confused with the older McDonaldland characters created for broader restaurant advertising. Her distinctive role was breakfast promotion, making her a specialized mascot rather than the general face of the company.