BBC Worldwide has confirmed global distribution rights for TV and merchandise for the series which is set to launch commercially later this year.

BBC Worldwide's investment in the property follows hot on the heels of In The Night Garden produced by Ragdoll Productions which has to date done well across toy, DVD, publishing and music.

Hoping to replicate the success with this new pre-school brand and capitalising on the global appetite for animation, BBC Worldwide's commercial plans will be unveiled to the industry at key trade fairs in 2008.

Centred around a community of birds that live, learn and play in the branches of a beautiful tree, 3rd and Bird has been created in photo-puppetry animation – a style of animation created by Little Airplane.

To ensure international appeal the show has been written and researched on both sides of the Atlantic with expertise from both Britain and the US–led by creator and founder of Little Airplane, Josh Selig.

BBC Worldwide director of children's Gill Pritchard said, "We're thrilled to be working with Little Airplane on this project. 3rd and Bird is an enchanting property packed with entertaining stories, songs and cute characters - it is beautiful and I am captivated by the little bird Muffin.

"Our expertise of the pre-school market gives us confidence that 3rd and Bird will resonate across the world."