Young gulls of various species are nicknamed 'grisards' because of their common plumage mottled in brown, beige, gray and white. This term 'grisard' comes from the old vernacular name given until the 18th century to the great skua (Stercorarius skua). The 'grisards' gradually acquire their full adult plumage in two to four years. In the meantime, they reach their final size, appearing as large as the adults with differentiated plumages.