The piping plover is a small shorebird known for its sandy-colored plumage, which helps it blend into its coastal habitat. These birds are typically about 6 to 7 inches long and have a distinctive black band across their forehead and a short, stubby bill. They are often found on sandy beaches, dunes, and gravelly areas along the Atlantic Coast of North America. Piping plovers are known for their unique nesting behavior, where they create shallow scrapes in the sand to lay their eggs. Due to habitat loss and human disturbance, they are considered a threatened species. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their nesting sites and ensure their survival.