In the fall, adults moult their distinctive breeding plumage and adopt a duller winter plumage. The adult male and female are similar in size and colour. During the 19th century plovers fell victim to fashion. Their feathers were used as decoration for women's hats. Since plovers were easily killed, their numbers dramatically declined.
Plovers nest on sandy beaches which also attract people.
We build homes and commercial properties near beaches, we use them for recreation and walking our pets, and we drive all-terrain vehicles along them. All these activities can destroy eggs and young or cause plovers to abandon their nests. Most people don't do this on purpose but the harm to the plover is just as serious whether it is intended or not. On top of these people problems, plovers also have natural problems, some of which include predation by gulls, foxes, and crows, as well as storms which cause loss of nest sites. Following the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, piping plovers, like all shorebirds became protected throughout the year.