Editing Surfbird (section)

==Behavior==
===Diet and feeding===
The diet of breeding surfbirds is dominated by insects. On one study examining stomach contents, flies ([[Diptera]]), including eggs, pupae and adults, composed 55% of the food taken by surfbirds, and beetles [[Coleoptera]] 36%. Other insects taken include moths and butterflies ([[Lepidoptera]]) and bees and wasps ([[Hymenoptera]]). Seeds and snails are also taken, albeit rarely.<ref name="BNA" /><ref name="Dixon 1927">{{cite journal|last1=Dixon|first1=J.|title=The Surf-Bird's secret|journal=The Auk|date=1927|volume=29|issue=1|pages=3–16|url=https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/condor/v029n01/p0003-p0016.pdf}}</ref>

===Breeding===
[[File:Aphriza virgataUSFWSAK-RO-03080A.jpg|thumb|Surfbird on its nest]]
The breeding behavior of the surfbird is poorly known. The surfbird arrives in its breeding habitat in early May; due to high winds in their exposed nesting areas the snow has usually cleared by then. Nesting sites are typically on north or west facing slopes. Nests are exposed, and a re simple depressions lined with lichens and, sometimes, ''Dryas''.<ref name="BNA" /> The species is assumed to be territorial and monogamous. Clutch size is usually four eggs, although smaller clutches have been found.<ref name="HBW" />

The eggs are buff-colored with gray or purple markings, and measure {{convert|43|x|31|mm|abbr=on}}. Both sexes [[avian incubation|incubate]] the eggs and the incubation period is estimated to be between 22 and 24 days.<ref name="HBW" />