Sex skewed kleptoparasitic exploitation of kestrel Falco tinnunculus was studied on foraging areas in south-east Poland. All kestrel prey subject to kleptoparasitism attempts were small mammals caught by kestrels hunting by hovering.. Kleptoparasites attacked male kestrels more frequently than females. Males did not defend their prey as vigorously as females but males were more efficient at capturing further prey following loss of prey. Males also seemed to select habitats that facilitated more effective foraging which reduced costs of lost prey. Kleptoparasitism on kestrels was more successful by groups than by individual attackers.