In the bustling streets of San Francisco, an encounter between the chic and playful socialite Melanie Daniels and the handsome lawyer Mitch Brenner sparks when Melanie, known for her mischievous behavior, is mistaken for a shop clerk at a bird store. Intrigued and amused by the confident Mitch, who is shopping for a pair of lovebirds for his younger sister Cathy's birthday, Melanie purchases the birds and decides to surprise Mitch by delivering them to his weekend residence in the serene coastal town of Bodega Bay. Her arrival in the quiet community draws attention, and with the help of local schoolteacher Annie Hayworth, who harbors feelings for Mitch, Melanie orchestrates an elaborate ruse to secretly gift the birds.

Upon reaching Bodega Bay, Melanie rents a boat and crosses the bay to leave the lovebirds at the Brenner family home, where she encounters Mitch's mother Lydia, a wary widow, and the lovable Cathy. Mitch discovers her plan and playfully tracks her back across the bay, marking a flirtatious beginning of their connection. However, the peacefulness of the town is abruptly shattered as inexplicable and violent attacks by various bird species commence against humans, baffling the populace. The once ordinary surroundings of the small community descend into chaos as the birds, without any discernible cause or warning, escalate their assaults with terrifying precision, leaving the townspeople in fear and disbelief over the avian terror.