Sex differences in animals can have a significant impact on their cognitive processes as well as their behavior. In the case of reed voles (Microtus fortis), their feeding behavior, specifically the consumption of different parts of grass leaves, plays a crucial role in determining their food intake rates during foraging. However, the extent to which learning and cognitive processes vary between genders in this foraging behavior remains unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, our study focused on investigating gender-specific learning and selection patterns of different leaf parts during the foraging process of reed voles, leveraging their inherent cognitive behavioral abilities. To ensure unbiased assessment of cognitive ability, we took measures to prevent prior exposure of the experimental individuals to objects resembling the stems and leaves of crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) plants. In our experiments, we focused on concentrated food patches of crabgrass, each containing two fresh leaves per stalk. Meticulous measurements were conducted to capture the sequence, processes, and parameters of vole foraging behavior. Our findings revealed several noteworthy insights. Firstly, the decision time for foraging decreased as the experimental days progressed for both female and male voles. However, the females consistently exhibited significantly longer decision times compared to males on each experimental day. Over time, both female and male voles exhibited a transition from random feeding across the three parts of the leaves to a clear preference for feeding on the leaves at the base. Notably, once the foraging skill was acquired, females demonstrated a significantly higher selection index for feeding on the leaves at the base compared to males. Furthermore, as the experimental days advanced, both female and male voles increased their food intake rates. However, the intake rates of females were found to be significantly higher than those of males. These findings support the hypothesis put forth in our study, indicating the presence of a gender gap in the cognition and learning capability of reed voles. Additionally, our results highlight that males acquire the foraging skill of feeding on the base part faster during the experimental process. However, once both females and males acquired this foraging skill, females surpassed males in achieving higher intake rates. Overall, this paper sheds light on the underlying cognitive abilities of reed voles and contributes to our understanding of gender differences in cognition and learning among small herbivorous mammals. Moreover, it demonstrates the reliability, effectiveness, and practicality of the newly established experimental method for evaluating cognitive and learning abilities in this species.