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High gene flow and population expansion can promote genetic diversity (Song and Lei, 2014; Ruan et al., 2018; Xu et al., 2019). However, low genetic diversity can lead to a population bottlenecks (Excoffier et al., 2009). Sexbiased dispersal can improve breeding opportunities for birds, thereby increasing gene flow, genetic diversity, and inclusive fitness (Clinton et al., 2007; Hamilton and May, 1977; Taylor, 1988; Pernetta et al., 2011), which are significantly beneficial to the evolutionary process of a population (Paris et al., 2016). The silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) is a common species that is widely distributed in southern China and Southeast Asia, which prefers to inhabit shrub patches (Zhang et al., 2003). Based on mitochondrial markers, previous researchers studied the divergence time and evolutionary history of Lophura (Alain et al., 1998; Huang et al., 2010; Jiang et al., 2014). However, there are no previous studies of the sex-biased dispersal patterns or population structures of the silver pheasant in southern China. Considering previous results, we adopted mitochondrial and microsatellite approaches to explore

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