In what sounds like a plot from an animated feature film, scientists have discovered that rats emit noises that bear many similarities to what we call songs.

A team of Japanese researchers found that when a male rodent comes across a potential mate, he bursts into a complex series of loud chirps and whistles that sound remarkably like birdsong. Although the ultrasonic calls are too high-pitched for the human ear to pick up, the researchers said, the "love songs" allow females to weigh up the most suitable father for their offspring, the Daily Mail reported.

However, the researchers were not yet able to find out whether the animals are born with their songs fully formed in their heads, or they learn them from their parents and peers as we do. Scientists have previously known that mice emit squeaks that are inaudible to humans.