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Why are Charadriiformes eggs often protectively coloured?

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Illustration of a crab plover (Dromas ardeola), showing a slender wading bird with long legs, a long pointed black bill, white head and underparts, and contrasting black wings and back. — Charadriiform Crab plover (Dromas ardeola)

Charadriiformes are predominantly ground-nesting birds that typically lay their eggs in shallow scrapes with little to no nesting material. Because these nests are often located in open areas, the eggs are protectively coloured—frequently featuring patterns or blotches—to provide camouflage against the surrounding environment. This coloration serves as a vital defense mechanism to conceal the eggs from potential predators while they are being incubated on the ground.12