Considering 2 hens for urban backyard. Looking into breeds and between Buff vs. Muscovy. Thoughts?

[StinkyAcres]

if you hear muscovie ducks then you know something bad is happening.

Like @Crazy Maizie 's, mine are quite talkative, a lot like chickens.

 

[Not-so Slick Chicken]

if you hear muscovie ducks then you know something bad is happening.

Yeah
Usually the drake >.> he seems chill until he's not

Or, when you need to catch them.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I have read people claiming that they don't quack.
Is that actually true?
When they're startled, they do make a sound I would consider a quack, but is it not considered a quack?

Overall they're fairly quiet, but there are certainly times where they're noticeably vocal.
(We have two broodies. They have a very distinct chirp-quack sound when they're off the nest and it seems to be telling the other birds to get away)

When startled or scared, the girls have definitely made a quack like honking sound if you will. But, as far as quacking - they do not quack like a mallard derived breed that is non stop. I can hear my runners from a distance, but generally I can't hear the muscovies. My muscovy girls are vocal and you can tell a difference in the sounds they make - happy, "leave me alone", and gossipy. My drake had different sounds that he made.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

mine are mostly quiet. at breeding season they sometimes "talk" to each other.

Maybe mine are spoiled.

 

[Not-so Slick Chicken]

When startled or scared, the girls have definitely made a quack like honking sound if you will. But, as far as quacking - they do not quack like a mallard derived breed that is non stop. I can hear my runners from a distance, but generally I can't hear the muscovies. My muscovy girls are vocal and you can tell a difference in the sounds they make - happy, "leave me alone", and gossipy. My drake had different sounds that he made.

They're so entertaining to watch and listen to
I'm sure other ducks are, as well. The only mallards and geese we get on this property are the migratory ones.

 

[Yardmom]

Keep in mind that female Muscovies fly. Are you in -40 cold northern MN or is -20F a rare occurrence? Muscovies will not handle the cold as well as Mallard derived. In northern WI my brother kept his Muscovies enclosed all winter. Mallard derived were fine outside during the day. Mallard derived hens such as Buff will sound off anytime day or night and need space. My ducks range over a few acres, but some do manage in a couple hundred square feet, with kiddie pools that require daily cleaning. The duck space gets pretty messy, so don't plan your summer picnics in the same space.