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Do you know that the falcon (猎鹰) is among the fastest animals in the world? It can fly at a speed of about 200 miles per hour. You might think a bird that could fly so fast would be safe from most types of danger. Unfortunately, that is not true. By the 1970s, they had already been endangered. What was causing the number of falcons to drop so quickly?

In America, a pesticide, a chemical, called DDT was harming the falcon eggs. Luckily, DDT is no longer used. The number of falcons is rising now.

One unusual thing about falcons is that they like to make their nests (巢) in high places. In nature, they often nest on mountaintops and on the sides of cliffs (悬崖). Falcons have also got used to life in cities. They nest on tall buildings and bridges in cities. The height of these nests is from 50 to 200 feet in the air.

They also like to return to the same nesting place every year. Both the mother and father falcons help to raise the babies. The mother stays more time in the nest. The father hunts and brings back food for her and the babies.

Many people all around the country work very hard to help falcons live to adulthood. There are even video cameras fixed up in many places. This way, people can make sure the birds and their eggs stay protected. Falcons are lucky to have so many people who keep an eye on them.