BBC Worldwide has announced the US sell of the UK animated preschool series 3rd & Bird! to Disney Channel. The series, which uses photo-puppetry animation to depict a treetop community of birds, will premiere in the Playhouse Disney programming block in early 2011. Disney Channel has acquired broadcasting rights for all 50 x 10-minute episodes along with one 20-minute holiday special.

The series was created by Little Airplane Productions founder Josh Selig and is produced in London and New York by his company. Since airing in the UK in Summer 2008, 3rd & Bird! has sold to a total of 17 territories. Fisher-Price is currently the master toy licensee for the brand and has global rights (excluding Asia) to develop preschool, infant and toddler toys including electronic and non-electronic plastic figurines, toys, vehicles, playsets and feature and standard plush.